WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) -- Via Christi hospitals and emergency departments in Wichita are taking extra precautions to protect patients and staff from the recent increase in respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. Via Christi said these are temporary measures. If you have cold- or flu-like symptoms, Via Christi wants you to avoid visiting loved ones until the symptoms are gone for at least 48 hours. Symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, nasal congestion, or sore throat. If you have or recently had COVID-19, wait until 10 days after the onset of the illness before visiting hospital patients. Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear masks, which the hospitals will provide. Visitors are requested to wash their hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when entering and leaving patient rooms. Until further notice, visitors must be 12 or older. Norovirus cases spike among children "If there are extenuating circumstances, patients and families should talk to their nurse, who will discuss the concern with the health care team to determine appropriate visitation that is safe for everyone concerned," Dr. Sheryl Beard, Via Christi chief medical officer, said in a news release.