INDIANAPOLIS — Numerous hospitals in Marion County will soon begin to implement visitor restrictions. According to a press release from the Marion County Public Health Department, the restrictions are a response to increased respiratory virus activity. Indiana's Influenza dashboard indicates Influenza Like-Illness activity is currently low. There have been five flu-related deaths in the Hoosier State so far this season. The planned restrictions will prevent visitors displaying symptoms of viral illnesses from entering Marion County hospitals. Some of the symptoms officials will be watching for are fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose. The restrictions will also bar visitors under the age of 18 from entering Marion County hospitals. Per MCPHD, the restrictions will protect Indianapolis' most vulnerable patients from respiratory viruses. The department is also encouraging visitors who are not feeling well to stay home and avoid visiting Marion County hospitals. MCPHD is asking those who do enter Marion County hospitals to wash their hands and cover up coughs and sneezes. Indy's hospitals will provide masks for visitors during flu season. “Protecting our health, and the health of loved ones, is important during this time of year, especially the very young and those over age 65,” MCPHD Director Virginia A. Caine wrote in a prepared statement. “Flu can cause significant illness and, in some cases, lead to extended hospitalizations or death. RSV can also result in hospitalization and even death for infants and those over age 60.” Community Health Network, Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Ascension St. Vincent, Indiana University Health and Eskenazi Hospital are all planning to implement the restrictions MCPHD has proposed. Special exceptions to rules will be allowed for some patrons, including those who are visiting patients that are receiving end-of-life care. MCPHD urged those seeking exceptions to call or check out the website of the facility they wish to visit. MCPHD did not provide a specific timetable for when the restrictions will be put in place at each hospital. In a separate press release, Community Health Network indicated all of its facilities will put the restrictions in place on Monday.