In an effort to prepare for what could be a difficult flu season as seasonal influenza and novel H1N1, also known as “swine flu,” activity begin to increase, Danville Regional Medical Center will begin limiting hospital visitation to visitors 12 years of age and above effective September 11, 2009.

“We are trying to do as much as we can to prepare for the possibility of increased flu activity and reduce the impact on the hospital and the community,” said Linda Sokos, Infection Preventionist and Emergency Management Coordinator. “Reports are that children are affected more by the particular H1N1 virus strain than adults. DRMC made this decision after considering that children could either pick the virus up at the hospital or be a reservoir bringing it in.”

The hospital has posted signs at every door through which visitors may come to advise the public not to visit if they have symptoms of the flu, no matter what age they are.

“It is not a permanent policy,” Sokos said, “but until we see the level of flu activity, children under 12 are discouraged from visiting the hospital, including the emergency department, unless the child is the patient. Under extenuating circumstances, however, exceptions will be made.”

Visitors and patients at the hospital are also urged to notify staff members if they have flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough and sore throat, and if so, they will be offered a mask to wear while they are in the building.

For more information, contact Heather MacDonald at (615) 780-3313 or heather.macdonald@dvl.com