Has your hospital changed visitors policy r/t the flu?

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I was very surprised to go to work today and find a notice that the hospital is now refusing visitors under the age of 16 because of the flu situation. I've got to say, it was much pleasanter than usual on the floor, for staff and patients alike, without the hordes of little children that are usually constantly underfoot. I was blown away that the hospital had made such a sensible decision!

Specializes in Med/Surg.

Noone under 19 and if you have any s/s of the flu

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Our hospital's policy is no visitors under 19 and no s/s of the flu.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Peds, OB, L/D, Ortho.

No one under 18. Sure has cut down on alot of needless chaos!

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Specializes in Surg/ortho.

Yep...no one under 18 and only 2 at a time. Not that the 2 at a time thing has been strictly enforced

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Yes: no one under 18 or who has S&S of the flu can come visit.

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

Nobody in under 12 years, or anyone with S&S of cold/flu. Nursing discretion is allowed for end of life situations (of course). Separate triage area in ED for "snifflers".

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Specializes in LDRP.

no one under 18. Now, i work in labor and delivery, so i'm sure they let kids in for end of life situations. As far as labor and delivery goes, no one under age 18. Unless baby daddy is under 18, then he can come. No other kids-and this really upsets people that their other kids cant be a part of their birth, or meet the baby right after he/she is born.

of course, occasional exceptions are made. depends on teh nurse in charge. one let the 17yr9month old girl come to watch her mom deliver.

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Specializes in Pediatric Hem/Onc.

I work in a pediatric hospital, and no one under 14 is allowed unless there are special circumstances. On my floor - hem/onc/BMT - visitors have their temps taken at the desk. If it's above 99, they aren't allowed on the floor. Same with anyone with s/s of cold or flu.

What kills me is.....people get SO upset about this. After an aunt got into it with a nurse and she was sitting there, steaming....I went over and talked to her. I said, "Ma'am? I know you think we're being cold about this, but think about it. If your nephew just survived a bone marrow transplant and is doing well, do you really want him to die because he was exposed to your harmless cold? Because that could happen."

She calmed down after that :) People just don't think, until you force them.

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Specializes in Psych, med surg.

All the hospitals in my area have the following rules:

No visitors under 18.

Only two visitors at a time.

Anyone coughing, sneezing, or who otherwise looks sick may be asked to wear a mask or to leave the facility.

It's been rather nice, actually.

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Specializes in Mother Baby & pre-hospital EMS.

Effective since last month, our hospital no longer allows visitors under the age of 18 to visit. This may change when the flu season is over. I imagine it would be hard for the families in L&D with younger children who want to visit their new sibling(s). I believe (but I could be wrong) that our hospital may make an exception for a patient who is dying.

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