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Hospitals reviewing their visitor policies

Hospitals reviewing visitor policies because of flu fears


Date published: 10/22/2009

Many hospitals in the area are changing their visitor policies to try to limit the spread of swine flu among patients and staff.

Culpeper Regional Hospital, which typically has an open visitation policy, is asking anyone with chills, a cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle or joint pain, or any inkling of the flu to stay away until symptoms subside, according to hospital spokeswoman Abra Hogarth.

The hospital, like many others, is also discouraging visits by those ages 18 and younger. That ban is because this particular strain of flu, called 2009 H1N1, spreads very easily among children.

"We have considered the latest CDC guidelines in order to provide a safe environment for all patients and staff, while providing the best care to all of our patients," Hogarth wrote in a news release.

MediCorp Health System, which runs both Mary Washington and Stafford hospitals, has not yet made changes to visitation, though the policy is being reviewed, according to spokeswoman Kathleen Allenbaugh.

Potomac Hospital, located in Woodbridge, is barring those under 18 from visiting anyone, with additional restrictions for patients in ICU, pediatrics, labor and delivery, and post-partum.

Fauquier Hospital is prohibiting visitors under 18, except siblings, in the fourth-floor birthing unit.

Hospitals have been clear to note that exceptions may be made for those wishing to visit terminally ill patients.

Hospitals across the nation are altering policies to deal with the virus. Elsewhere in Virginia, a dozen Richmond and tri-cities-area hospitals announced yesterday they were limiting visitors to healthy adults 18 years and older and no more than two adult visitors at a time per patient.

Those restrictions go into effect Monday and will remain in effect at least through March.

"I applaud this coordinated effort by Richmond-area hospitals to protect their patients, visitors and health care providers," State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Remley said in a news release. "This approach to infection prevention will help maximize safety for everyone."

Last week, 18 Hampton Roads-area hospitals took similar action, collectively agreeing to bar anyone under 18 from entering the facilities unless they are seeking medical care.

Whether to alter visitation policies is a difficult decision for hospitals. But people can be contagious up to 24 hours before their own symptoms appear.


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Many area hospitals have changed their visitor policy to limit the spread of swine flu. Here's a look at where area hospitals stand: Mary Washington/Stafford--No change, but policy is under review. Culpeper Regional--Asking anyone with any flu symptoms to stay away and discouraging visits by those 18 and younger. Fauquier--Prohibiting visitors under 18, except siblings, in birthing unit. Potomac--Barring those under 18 from visiting anyone, with additional restrictions for patients in ICU, pediatrics, labor and delivery, and post-partum.

cdc.gov flu.gov



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Date published: 10/22/2009


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BLK (posted by Nya_nyas , Oct. 22, 2009 12:04 pm)   
You're completly right; however, some people just don't have common sense...

Common Since !!! (posted by BLK , Oct. 22, 2009 2:38 am)   
So the Hospital is Asking Visitors Not to come to the hospital sick..... This should be everyday Common since...

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