2019 Flu Visitation Guidelines

January 11, 2019 — For the safety of patients, visitors and employees, and to minimize risk of flu infection, Inspira Health is restricting hospital visitation until flu activity decreases significantly in South Jersey. Additionally, all existing visitation guidelines will be strictly followed for the safety of patients, visitors and staff. Visit InspiraHealthNetwork.org and click on the “Patients & Visitors” tab for details.

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).

Anyone planning to visit a patient in a specialty area, such as Maternity, Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care or Behavioral Health, should call in advance, as additional restrictions may be put in place for specific departments. 

The guidelines also recommend:

• that there be no more than three 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 follow 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

Inspira Health is a charitable nonprofit health care organization and a regional leader in physician training, with approximately 160 medical residents and fellows in nine nationally accredited specialty programs. The network, which traces its roots to 1899, comprises three hospitals, a comprehensive cancer center, several multi-specialty health centers and a total of more than 150 access points. These include urgent care; outpatient imaging and rehabilitation; sleep medicine labs; cardiac testing facilities; digestive health and wound care centers; home care and hospice; and more than 30 primary and specialty physician practices in Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, Camden and Atlantic counties.

Together with its medical staff of more than 1,100 physicians and other care providers, as well as more than 5,800 employees, Inspira Health provides evidence-based care to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome. Accredited by DNV Healthcare, the network’s clinical and support staffs are focused on providing quality care in a safe environment. For more information about Inspira Health, visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org or call 1-800-INSPIRA.