Novant Health is restricting access to visitors under 18-years-old to it's Manassas and Haymarket hospitals in an effort to prevent the spread of the recent strain of the flu virus.
"Out of concern for the health and well-being of our patients, Novant Health is asking the community to keep visitors younger than 18 years old out of all its hospital facilities due to the widespread outbreak of the flu virus throughout the community," spokesperson Kim Golanski said in a release. "This restriction, effective Friday, January 2, 2015 at 8 a.m., applies to all volunteers under the age of 18 as well."
Hospital staff may grant children access in the event of special circumstances, such as visiting a dying family member.
Novant is also encouraging adults who are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose, sore throat, fever or cough not to visit patients at their facilities. Those seeking treatment will not be subject to the restriction.
“The flu virus can be extremely dangerous to people who have compromised immune systems, cancer, kidney disease and other chronic conditions,” advises Tom Zweng, MD, chief medical officer for Novant Health. “In order to protect our patients, we are asking members of the public who are younger than 18 years old or who may be sick with the influenza virus to not visit us at this time.”
To further prevent the spread of the flu virus, Novant Health encourages visitors to wash their hands with soap and water or use sanitizing gel when entering and leaving the facilities.
"Novant Health will evaluate the need for visitation restrictions on a weekly basis or more often as needed," Golanski said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains a website for updated information on flu activity: cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm.
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