INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Indianapolis’ hospitals are imposing restrictions on who can visit their patients in an effort to prevent the spread of the flu.
 
  The policy is similar to one adopted during 2009’s swine flu outbreak, and restricts people with flu-like illnesses from visiting hospital patients.  It also restricts hospital visits to immediate family, partners and significant others. In addition, all visitors younger than 18 must make special arrangements to see a patient.
 
  Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety Chairman Charles Miramonti says the steps are a proven approach to reduce the spread of the flu.
 
  State officials said Wednesday that 27 Indiana residents have died of the illness so far this flu season. Officials continue to stress that it’s not too late to get a flu shot.