Banner Health launches flu season restrictions for visitors

PHOENIX — Flu season has started in the Valley and Banner Health implemented some restrictions on Monday to protect its patients.

The nonprofit said that anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to visit patients at Banner hospitals and urgent care centers. These symptoms include runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat or body aches.

In addition, children under the age of 13 will not be allowed to visit patients in their room. Any child under the age of 13 visiting a hospital needs to be supervised by an adult in public waiting areas and cafeterias.

The only exception is for siblings visiting a new baby on the obstetrics unit. However, they may still be screened for any sickness.

Why did Banner Health implement these visitor restrictions?

These restrictions are not new, as Banner Health limits visitors every flu season starting Dec. 1 through March 31.

“We usually see a huge rise (in flu cases) between Thanksgiving and then through the holidays when families and such are getting together,” Samia Kadri, a family nurse practitioner at Banner Health, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday.

Kadri noted that she doesn’t believe flu season has peaked yet, but is expecting a severe season once it hits.

“I have not seen as many… positive flu (cases). I’ve seen some sick people, but they’ve been testing negative for the flu,” Kadri said.

The nurse practitioner also expects to see an uptick in flu, RSV and COVID-19 cases in the coming months.

Kadri encouraged everyone to get a flu shot. She noted it takes about two to three weeks to develop the antibodies after receiving it.

Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms, including patients, will be asked to wear a mask inside Banner facilities to protect staff and other patients.

Related

Arizona nurse practitioner says this flu season is worse than lastMaricopa County reports 7 new measles cases, bringing total to 21Hyundai earns Community Spotlight for giving more than $301M to childhood cancer researchArizona health officials report 19 cyclosporiasis cases amid national outbreakMaricopa County heat deaths surge past 2025’s pace as officials expand cooling resourcesValleywise Health acquires system to better treat premature and critically ill infants