Hospitals Keep H1N1 Visitation Restrictions

By Amber Lester Friday, January 29, 2010

It might have slipped from the headlines, but H1N1 is still a threat to Virginia citizens.

Area hospitals have decided to maintain their current visiting policy that limits visitation to adults 18 years and older. The precaution was put in effect Oct. 15 as part of an effort to prevent the spread of 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu.

The visitation policy is expected to remain in effect through late March. Currently, no one under the age of 18 is permitted in Hampton Roads area hospitals unless seeking care. Now, the policy extends to siblings of newborns in the women’s and infants’ units.

The visitation policy is in place in 18 area hospitals, including Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Care and Riverside Regional Medical Center. In a press release, the hospitals cited a possible third wave of H1N1 in the spring as one of the reasons for the restrictions. The release also said, “Hospitals believe lifting and then reactivating the changed visiting policy would be more confusing and disruptive for the community than holding steady.”

The visiting policy will be reevaluated periodically, using regional, state and national data as a guide. In addition to children and teens, individuals with symptoms of influenza-like illness should not visit area hospitals unless seeking treatment. Symptoms include: fever and respiratory illness such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, chills and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

Limited exceptions might be made for expectant and new fathers under 18 or instances involving patients at the end of life. Exceptions must be approved by attending physicians and hospital leaders.