3 West Michigan hospitals announce new policies to protect patients during flu outbreak

Three West Michigan hospitals want sick people to avoid visiting the facilities to protect patients from the flu.

MLive.com reports that Saint Mary's Health Care, Metro Health and Spectrum Health, all in Grand Rapids, also are allowing only two visitors or relatives to visit a patient at one time.

The hospitals made the joint announcement Monday and say the restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

Staff at Spectrum Health will ask visitors if they are healthy. Spokesman Bruce Rossman says those who are not healthy will be "asked to not visit until they are feeling better."

As of last week, the flu had spread to 47 states.

Michigan health officials confirmed 338 cases at state-run labs. Four children in the state have died.

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