{"id":128459,"date":"2026-01-08T08:42:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T13:42:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=128459"},"modified":"2026-01-09T20:30:41","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T01:30:41","slug":"acdh-respiratory-illnesses-on-the-rise-experts-encourage-precautions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2026\/01\/08\/acdh-respiratory-illnesses-on-the-rise-experts-encourage-precautions\/","title":{"rendered":"ACDH: Respiratory illnesses on the rise, experts encourage precautions"},"content":{"rendered":"

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With respiratory illnesses rising locally and across Indiana, precautions are increasingly important to protect friends, family and those among our most vulnerable residents \u2013 patients being treated in health care facilities in Allen County.<\/p>\n

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Allen County Department of Health news release:<\/p>\n

Respiratory illnesses on the rise, experts encourage precautions<\/strong>
\nParkview Health implements temporary visitor restrictions to protect visitors, patients and staff.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fort Wayne, Indiana (January 8, 2026) \u2013 With respiratory illnesses rising locally and across Indiana, precautions are increasingly important to protect friends, family and those among our most vulnerable residents \u2013 patients being treated in health care facilities in Allen County.<\/p>\n

Cases of influenza (flu) and COVID-19 have each increased, and health officials urge caution. Each illness \u2013 along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) \u2013 is common this time of year, and all can result in severe disease.<\/p>\n

\u201cImmunization remains the best defense,\u201d Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Gutwein said. \u201cAnyone looking for vaccinations can check availability with their health care provider, area pharmacies, Super Shot and the Allen County Department of Health. You can also help stop viruses with simple steps like covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when you\u2019re sick and washing your hands regularly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vaccination reduces the risk of severe outcomes such as pneumonia, hospitalization and death.<\/p>\n

Influenza-like activity is rising in Indiana, according to the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), and at least 17 people have died this season, which runs from October to May.<\/p>\n

Nationally, positive laboratory tests for influenza have increased more than 25%, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Data show the percentage of outpatient visits for respiratory illness was about 6%, a 1% increase over the same period the year before.<\/p>\n

Local hospitals are also reporting increases in visits for respiratory illnesses including influenza and COVID-19.<\/p>\n

The seasonal peak for RSV typically is December to mid-February, and the illness results in up to 80,000 hospitalizations for children younger than 5 and up to 150,000 hospitalizations for adults older than 60 each year in the U.S. Data from the CDC show emergency department visits for RSV are growing in Indiana.<\/p>\n

Parkview Health is already experiencing higher increases in both emergency room and clinic visits for respiratory illness activity. This has resulted in Parkview implementing temporary visitor restrictions to protect patients, family and staff.<\/p>\n

Increases in respiratory illness activity have resulted in Parkview Health implementing temporary visitor restrictions to protect patients, family and staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur highest priority is keeping patients safe, especially those who are most vulnerable to severe illness,\u201d said Dr. Jeff Boord, chief quality and safety officer, Parkview Health. \u201cWe appreciate the community\u2019s understanding as we take these short-term precautions to limit the spread of flu and COVID-19 within our hospitals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Precautions include:<\/p>\n