Alamance Regional Medical Center is implementing visitor restrictions due to an increase in influenza and other severe illness.  Children under 12 and visitors with flu-like symptoms will not be able to visit inpatient units.

Local physician offices are seeing high numbers of influenza patients- many of them children.  Starting December 26, hospital personnel will be stationed at entrances to enforce the guidelines. Visitors will be screened for flu-like symptoms, asked to sanitize their hands and given a mask, if necessary. 

The following visitation guidelines apply to all patients:

· Children 12 and under, pregnant women, those with chronic medical conditions and those over the age of 65 SHOULD NOT visit patients during flu season.  These individuals should come to the hospital for treatment only.  This includes limiting visits to the hospital to see new siblings or family friends in the BirthPlace.
· Any person with flu-like symptoms SHOULD NOT visit patients.  These symptoms include:  fever, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.  Individuals should stay at home or seek treatment from a primary care provider when necessary.
· Adults are also strongly advised not to bring children with them when coming to the hospital for an outpatient test or procedure.  It is not in your child’s best interest to have them at the hospital at this time.

“As the county’s largest healthcare provider, we need to be as proactive as possible to protect our patients and the community,”  says Sara Wall, Infection Control Nurse for Alamance Regional.  “These additional visitation guidelines are meant to help control the spread of the highly contagious influenza virus,” she adds.  

It is expected for the visitation restrictions to stay in place for at least three weeks.  The situation will be continually evaluated and changes will be made as needed.