The Flu & You: Precautions

An area hospital and affiliated cancer centers have put into effect the following:  The hospital will no longer allow children ages twelve and under in the facility unless it is for medical treatment, and will require all visitors to use hand sanitizer at registration desks and entrances. Hospital employees will also staff entrances of the hospital to assure that visitation policies are being followed. Regardless of their age, anyone with flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to visit at the main [hospital] campus location.

Regional physician's offices are handling expotentially larger numbers of cases of flu types A & B. Some cases of flu are presenting with pneumonia that presents almost simultaneously with the onset of the flu.   Due to the rise in flu cases, hospitals are implementing these measures to protect the health and safety of patients and staff members.  Restrictions imposed at this time will most likely be monitored  to determine how long the restrictions should remain in effect.

Basic guidelines for prevention of the spread of colds, flu, and other illnesses are for individuals to frequently wash their hands with soap and water.  Use of hand sanitizers is highly recommended when in a situation where soap and water are not conveniently available.  Parents are encouraged by school and daycare personnel to make certain their children remain at home until completely well to help prevent the spread of the flu.