Mercy Health Youngstown is restricting visitors beginning Thursday due to the increased number of influenza cases in The Valley.

St. Elizabeth Youngstown, St. Elizabeth Boardman and St. Joseph Warren Hospitals, The Assumption Village, Marian Living Center and Humility House are all implementing these restrictions. Mercy Health said these restrictions are to protect their patients, residents, families and caregivers, according to a news release.

Mercy Health asks those who feel ill to not visit someone in the hospital. They are also prohibiting children under the age of 14 to visit the hospital until the flu season ends. Mercy Health said children are exposed to many more germs in schools and day care and can easily infect others.

The facilities are also suspending their practice of allowing one family member to stay overnight in the room with a hospital patient. They said exceptions may be granted in cases of gravely ill or minor patients. Waiting rooms or public areas cannot be used for overnight accommodations.

The restrictions will remain in effect until the influenza subsides.

"We are taking proactive steps to protect our patients and residents," said Don Koenig, chief operating officer and executive vice president, Mercy Health Youngstown. "We want to limit exposure to the flu for those persons in our care who are at increased health risk, and to slow the spread of influenza."

Mercy Health suggests the following habits to protect yourself and those around you:

• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol hand sanitizer.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or cough/sneeze into a sleeve.
• Avoid crowded areas if possible.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Get your flu shot.

Salem Regional Medical Center, East Liverpool City Hospital, Sharon Regional Health Systems, and ValleyCare Health Systems — which includes Trumbull Memorial, Northside and Hillside Rehabilitation hospitals — have not implemented any restrictions as of 3 p.m. Thursday.