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H1N1 flu: Hampton Roads hospitals uphold ban on visitors younger than 18
By Veronica Chufo 247-4741
January 29, 2010
Though cases of H1N1 flu have dwindled in recent months, a ban on visitors younger than 18 at area hospitals remains in effect through late March, hospital officials said.
Officials are keeping the visitation restrictions in place because Virginia is among a handful of states reporting regional H1N1 flu activity and a resurgence of cases is possible this spring. The restrictions are designed to protect vulnerable hospital patients from the spread of 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu, hospital officials said.
The 18 area hospitals announced in October that no one under the age of 18 is permitted in Hampton Roads-area hospitals unless he or she is seeking care. That includes siblings of newborns in women's and infant's units.
H1N1 flu is more prevalent among children and adolescents, putting them at greater risk of carrying the virus into health care settings.
Limited exceptions may be made for expectant and new fathers under the age of 18 and, for example, instances involving patients at the end of life. Exceptions would be at the discretion of the attending physician and hospital leadership, officials said.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms of influenza-like illness should not visit area hospitals, officials said. Symptoms of flu include fever, muscle aches, chills, respiratory illness such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
Participating hospitals include:
Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Riverside Regional Medical Center, Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Sentara Bayside Hospital, Sentara CarePlex Hospital , Sentara Heart Hospital, Sentara Leigh Hospital, Sentara Obici Hospital, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center.
By Veronica Chufo 247-4741
January 29, 2010
Though cases of H1N1 flu have dwindled in recent months, a ban on visitors younger than 18 at area hospitals remains in effect through late March, hospital officials said.
Officials are keeping the visitation restrictions in place because Virginia is among a handful of states reporting regional H1N1 flu activity and a resurgence of cases is possible this spring. The restrictions are designed to protect vulnerable hospital patients from the spread of 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu, hospital officials said.
The 18 area hospitals announced in October that no one under the age of 18 is permitted in Hampton Roads-area hospitals unless he or she is seeking care. That includes siblings of newborns in women's and infant's units.
H1N1 flu is more prevalent among children and adolescents, putting them at greater risk of carrying the virus into health care settings.
Limited exceptions may be made for expectant and new fathers under the age of 18 and, for example, instances involving patients at the end of life. Exceptions would be at the discretion of the attending physician and hospital leadership, officials said.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms of influenza-like illness should not visit area hospitals, officials said. Symptoms of flu include fever, muscle aches, chills, respiratory illness such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
Participating hospitals include:
Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Riverside Regional Medical Center, Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Sentara Bayside Hospital, Sentara CarePlex Hospital , Sentara Heart Hospital, Sentara Leigh Hospital, Sentara Obici Hospital, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center.
