As influenza activity increases, Banner Health is restricting visitor access and activities in its hospitals to protect against the spread of flu and respiratory viruses.

The new rules restrict access by visitors with symptoms such as fever, cough, vomiting or diarrhea.

Admittance also is limited for those under the age of 13, although children who do not have cold or flu symptoms — and, possibly, pass a health screening — may visit their newborn siblings in the obstetrics or pediatric units.

Children 12 and under in public waiting areas and cafeterias must be under adult supervision at all times.

Banner encourages visitors to wash or sanitize their hands frequently to prevent getting or spreading illnesses, and strongly recommends people over the age of 6 months get the flu vaccine.