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Flu prompts hospital visitor rules
By Peggy O'Farrell
September 21, 2009
Many of the region's hospitals are beginning visitor restrictions today, asking anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms and all children under 14 to stay home.
Tonda Francis, vice president of the Greater Cincinnati Health Council, cited the presence of H1N1 flu and an increase in flu-like illnesses around the region for the restrictions. Flu-related visitor restrictions usually start in October or November when seasonal flu arrives in the region. This year, they're starting earlier because of H1N1, she said.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is taking the restrictions further. Only patients' parents and guardians will be allowed as visitors. Children and teens are especially vulnerable to H1N1 complications, and the highest rates of hospitalizations and death from H1N1 are in Americans 24 and younger.
In addition, toys in waiting areas of the Corryville hospital will be removed to prevent spreading germs between patients. Parents should bring toys or other activities from home to keep their children occupied during outpatient visits.
By Peggy O'Farrell
September 21, 2009
Many of the region's hospitals are beginning visitor restrictions today, asking anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms and all children under 14 to stay home.
Tonda Francis, vice president of the Greater Cincinnati Health Council, cited the presence of H1N1 flu and an increase in flu-like illnesses around the region for the restrictions. Flu-related visitor restrictions usually start in October or November when seasonal flu arrives in the region. This year, they're starting earlier because of H1N1, she said.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is taking the restrictions further. Only patients' parents and guardians will be allowed as visitors. Children and teens are especially vulnerable to H1N1 complications, and the highest rates of hospitalizations and death from H1N1 are in Americans 24 and younger.
In addition, toys in waiting areas of the Corryville hospital will be removed to prevent spreading germs between patients. Parents should bring toys or other activities from home to keep their children occupied during outpatient visits.
