WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderTwo more local hospitals restricting visitors because of the flu

Two more local hospitals restricting visitors because of the flu

UNDATED (WREX) - Two more local hospitals are joining the big three Rockford hospitals in restricting the age of its visitors because of H1N1.

Starting today, Van Matre HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital is limiting the age of its visitors to 12 and older. In addition, it is strongly recommended that anyone showing flu-like symptoms please refrain from visiting patients in the hospital.

FHN Memorial Hospital is also changing its rules. Starting Monday all hospital visitors must be 12 years of age or older and each hospital patient will be limited to two visitors at a time.

"The health department and FHN are working together to help stop the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus," said Craig Beintema, Stephenson County Health Department administrator. "We urge parents to consider the health and safety of their children, as well as the health and safety of hospital staff and other patients, and refrain from bringing children to the hospital unless they need medical attention."

All medical services remain available to patients of all ages throughout FHN.

"These new restrictions are an extension of our current visitor policy, which we enacted Sept. 21 to protect our patients and their families as well as our staff throughout the year," said Michael Perry, MD, president and CEO of FHN. "We expect to ease the strict restriction of visitors' ages after flu season, but our normal visitor policy requiring all visitors to the hospital to check in, and no more than 2 visitors to a patient at a time, to remain in place."

"We would also like to remind people of all ages that proper handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home if you feel ill are the best ways to prevent the spread of H1N1," Dr. Perry said.

Symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting as well.