MUSCATINE, Iowa —Hospital officials said today they have restricted visitors at Unity HealthCare in Muscatine to no more than two visitors per patient at any time.

Anyone younger than 18 has already been prohibited from visiting patients at Unity in an ongoing effort to prevent the spread of influenza.

“As health care providers, it is our duty to do no harm. With that, we must protect our patients from unnecessary exposure to H1N1 flu,” said Lisa Brase, infection control coordinator at Unity.

Public health officials across Iowa are not confirming the number of flu cases reported across the state. But Brase said influenza and influenza-like illness are increasing in Muscatine County and elsewhere.

To help prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, Brase said people should remember to:

* Contain germs by staying home when ill.

* Cover coughs and sneezes.

* Clean their hands frequently.