To help reduce the spread of influenza (H1N1), the Ukiah Valley Medical Center is institution new guidelines for people visiting the hospital.
Spokesman Nick Bejarano reported Monday that the new H1N1 Visitor Guidelines are designed to protect community members, visiting patients, employees and patients themselves.
Anyone planning on visiting a patient is asked to follow these guidelines:
Please enter the hospital through the main entrance. (Central entrance on Hospital Drive).
If you are experiencing a cough, sneezing, or respiratory symptoms, you are advised to wait to visit until you are feeling better (barring any special circumstances).
No visitors under the age of 18 (barring special circumstances).
Limit of two visitors at a time per patient (barring special circumstances).
Pregnant women are prohibited from visiting for their safety and the safety of their baby (barring special circumstances).
For the Family Birth Center, visitors are restricted to family members only. Siblings will be permitted, but are strongly encouraged to refrain from visiting if possible.
Visitors will be asked flu-screening questions to ensure the health and well-being of visitors, employees, and patients.
According to Bejarano, the flu virus can be particularly difficult for young children and older adults to fight off.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue. Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you feel you have the flu, contact your primary care provider.
Remember to follow good health habits: stay home when you are sick, cover your coughs and sneezes, wash hands with soap and water, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and stay home from work and school until you have been fever free for 24 hours.