Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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Visitor Restrictions |
This year’s H1N1 influenza season has been particularly difficult for children who show no immunity to the disease. Children have been shown to shed the virus longer so they are considered contagious for longer periods of time. Clay County is seeing the majority of its confirmed H1N1 cases in children under age 14.
Under the advice of Dr. Mary O’Connor, the Hospital’s infectious disease physician, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 21, we will join with other area hospitals to restrict visitors to over the age of 14 for nonmedical reasons. This is especially critical in shared patient and visitor waiting areas. Precautions will be taken if children visit those areas.
Exceptions will be children who are under the age of 14 years who are here for treatment. In cases of a terminal family member, physician approval is required for visiting by a child younger than age 14.
Visitors of any age with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, aches, etc.) are discouraged from visiting the hospital. Patients with influenza will have visitors limited to individuals who are necessary for the patient’s emotional well-being and care. Visitors who have been in contact with the patient before and during hospitalization are a possible source of influenza for other patients, visitors and staff.
These restrictions will continue through the influenza season. |
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