Sparrow asks parents to restrict children under 16 from visiting hospital patients,
10/27/2009
Temporary policy aimed at protecting children, staff and patients
LANSING, Mich. — As a result of the rapid spread of H1N1 influenza, also known as the swine flu, doctors at Sparrow Hospital are recommending that children under 16 not come to the hospital to visit patients.
“This epidemic is different from the typical flu season, and we're having to respond in a different way,” said Sparrow Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs Larry Rawsthorne, M.D. “It’s spreading quickly in the community and we need to protect the patients who are most vulnerable.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, influenza activity has continued to increase in the United States and is now widespread in 41 states, including Michigan.
In September, Sparrow implemented a visitor policy limiting visitation to the Children’s Center and Mother-Baby units to healthy parents and grandparents only. In addition, individuals with flu-like symptoms were asked not to visit patients in any hospital units. The new restrictions, which go into effect Oct. 28, have been expanded to include children under 16 — whether they are well or not — in all areas of the hospital.
“It’s both for the safety of their own children and for the protection of the patients,” Dr. Rawsthorne said. “We do not want to unnecessarily expose children to this illness, nor do we want to run the risk of exposing patients and staff to an ill child.”
For the latest updates, prevention tips and advice go to Sparrow’s online flu kit, Sparrow.org/flu.
H1N1 Swine Flu Facts and Recommendations
Most people who get H1N1 recover on their own, without additional treatment. If you are only mildly ill, you don’t need to seek treatment.
If you are moderately to severely ill with a cough or sore throat and a fever over 100 degrees, particularly if you have underlying medical conditions, call your physician. A physician may prescribe an antiviral, which can lessen the symptoms and possibly shorten the duration of your illness. People who are sick should stay home from work or school.
Additional symptoms of H1N1 are body aches and sometimes may include vomiting and diarrhea.
Precautions to take to avoid getting the flu or avoid giving it to others:
*Wash hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
*Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
*Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
List Articles
|