New Inspira visitation guidelines will help prevent the spread of flu 

Children younger than 13 should not visit patients

MULLICA HILL, NJ (February 21, 2018) — For the safety of Inspira Health Network’s patients, visitors and employees, and to minimize risk of flu infection, the network will be restricting hospital visitation until flu activity decreases significantly in South Jersey. The new visitation guidelines are based on guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health. They go into effect Thursday, February 22. Additionally, all existing visitation guidelines (visit InspiraHealthNetwork.org and click on the “Patients & Visitors” tab for details) will be strictly followed for the safety of patients, visitors and staff. 

Under the new guidelines, the following groups of people may not visit patients in the hospital:

1. Children less than 13 years old 

2. Persons with a cough or a fever. You may visit after you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. 

3. Persons who are feeling sick (including sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea). 

The guidelines also recommend:

• that there be no more than two visitors at a time;
• that visitors use the alcohol-based hand sanitizer provided, before entering and when exiting the patient's room, and limit touching surfaces within the patient room; and
• that visitors adhere to guidance provided by hospital staff on the use of personal protective equipment (gowns, masks, gloves) prior to entering a patient's room.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, including influenza:

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

About Inspira Health Network

Inspira Health Network is a charitable nonprofit health care organization formed in November 2012 by the merger of South Jersey Healthcare and Underwood-Memorial Hospital. The network, which traces its roots to 1899, now comprises three hospitals, four multi-specialty health centers and a total of more than 60 locations. These include outpatient imaging and rehabilitation centers; urgent care; numerous specialty centers, including sleep medicine, cardiac testing and wound care; home care and hospice; and more than two dozen primary and specialty physician practices in Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties.

Together with its medical staff of more than 1,100 physicians and other care providers, Inspira Health Network provides evidence-based care to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome. Clinical and support staffs are focused on providing quality care in a safe environment. For more information about Inspira Health Network, call 1-800-INSPIRA.