UCHealth activates extra measures to protect during respiratory illness season

Aurora, Colo. (Dec. 2, 2025) – UCHealth is seeing an increase in respiratory illnesses across Colorado as the season of holiday gatherings and travel approach. 

“We are officially in respiratory virus season, which includes everything from the common cold to more severe illnesses,” said Dr. Michelle Barron, senior medical director of infection prevention and control for UCHealth. 

To protect patients, visitors and staff, UCHealth is implementing seasonal visitor restrictions at all of its hospitals and clinics. The following seasonal visitor policy is now in effect: 

• Most patients may have multiple visitors per day, but no more than 2 visitors or support persons at a time. Visitor hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
• Visitors younger than 12 years of age are prohibited from visiting these high-risk areas: all intensive care units, transplant locations, oncology inpatient floors and pediatric units, including NICUs and special care nurseries. Restrictions also apply to some units where ICU and oncology patients are being treated. 
• Visitors with coughs or other signs of respiratory illness will be asked to wear a mask while in the facility or to wait to visit when they are healthy. 

And now is the perfect time for Coloradans to protect themselves and others, she added. 

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the flu shot and other vaccines to become fully effective. So, Barron is urging people to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines now (if they haven’t already). That way, they’ll be fully protected when holiday gatherings begin later this month. Barron is also encouraging people to stay home if they aren’t feeling well. 

[More tips on staying healthy during cold and flu season] 

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