October 21, 2009 (Lewistown, PA) – Lewistown Hospital has seen a dramatic increase in flu cases in our area over the last week and is concerned about protecting their patients, staff and visitors. For several weeks the hospital has asked that people with active flu symptoms such as fever, cough or runny nose refrain from visiting patients. They are now taking the additional step of restricting visits by children under eighteen.
Children are at greater risk of contracting and therefore spreading H1N1. “This restriction may present some inconvenience and hardship, but it is necessary to protect both our patients and the community,” states Linda Flanagan RN, Infection Control Director.
Young people are at greater risk for the H1N1 strain of the flu because those over the age of 60 may have some resistance built up from earlier exposure in a vaccination or virus. The PA Department of Health recently released figures showing that 64% of all cases of H1N1 in September were found in patients under age 19.
The new visiting policy will be in effect until further notice.
