Children under age 13 should not visit patients
Press released issued by Inspira Health Network
For the safety of Inspira Health Network’s patients, visitors and employees, and to minimize risk of flu infection, the network will be restricting hospital visitation until flu activity decreases significantly in South Jersey. The new visitation guidelines are based on guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health. These guidelines considered effective as of Thursday, Feb. 22. Additionally, all existing visitation guidelines (visit InspiraHealthNetwork.org and click on the “Patients & Visitors” tab for details) will be strictly followed for the safety of patients, visitors and staff.
Under the new guidelines, the following groups of people may not visit patients in the hospital:
- Children less than 13 years old
- Persons with a cough or a fever. You may visit after you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
- Persons who are feeling sick (including sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea).
The guidelines also recommend that there be no more than two visitors at a time; that visitors use the alcohol-based hand sanitizer provided, before entering and when exiting the patient’s room, and limit touching surfaces within the patient room; and that visitors adhere to guidance provided by hospital staff on the use of personal protective equipment (gowns, masks, gloves) prior to entering a patient’s room.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, including influenza: Try to avoid close contact with sick people; While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them;
If you are sick with flu symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine); Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it; Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub; Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way; Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
