New visitation guidelines to prevent novel flu spread

The New Jersey Hospital Association has issued new visitation guidelines for the state's hospitals to help them protect patients, staff and visitors from H1N1 influenza.

The voluntary guidelines recommend visitor restrictions to reduce the potential for spreading infection in both inpatient and outpatient areas. The two key recommendations are:

• No visitors under the age of 18. No individuals under the age of 18 are allowed in the hospital unless they are a patient or in circumstances that have been identified and approved by the facility.
• No sick visitors. Individuals with a fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should stay home and refrain from visiting friends and loved ones in the hospital.

"These are common sense precautions in the midst of a growing H1N1 flu outbreak," said Betsy Ryan, NJHA's president and CEO. "We apologize for the inconvenience these restrictions may pose, but we trust our visitors will understand that they are in everyone's best interest. These precautions not only protect our hospitalized patients, but also visitors, especially children who have proven to be one of the groups most vulnerable to this new strain of flu."

NJHA also advises hospitals to post signs throughout their facilities reminding patients, visitors and employees about important hygiene habits to prevent the flu's spread. They include:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners, especially following coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Stay home if you are sick.