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Two Detroit Hospitals Ban Some Visitors Over Flu Concerns

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) Citing concerns over the flu, Children's Hospital of Michigan and DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital have banned certain visitors, allowing only adults or the patient's parent or guardian.

"Younger children, babies and teenage patients are at higher risk of getting influenza-related symptoms," said Dr. Banu Kumar, chief of pediatrics at Children's Hospital, explaining the policy.

The policy went into effect Monday and remains until further notice.

Children's Hospital of Michigan released a statement saying like many hospitals they have experienced an influx of patients with seasonal flu.

It says the policy is to protect patients and families.

At Children's Hospital of Michigan,  only parents and legal guardians and guests age 18 years and older will be able to visit inpatient and observation units. Should families arrive at the hospital during normal business or visiting hours with children under the age of 18, they will not be permitted to visit, per the policy.

The policy is a little different at Receiving Hospital, which isn't in the midst of a flu emergency -- but is trying to stave one off. DMC Receiving visitors have to be over 12 years old, or a parent or guardian of a patient.

Brian James O'Neil, M.D., an emergency doctor at Receiving and chair of emergency medicine at Wayne State, said the level of flu is fairly low for this time of year. "We should be peaking right now," Dr. O'Neil said, adding in reality the flu is considered to have "sporadic activity" right now.

O'Neil credits the high levels of flu vaccinations across as the state as the reason levels have stayed relatively low so far this year.

The visitor flu protocol at DMC Receiving is a peremptory strike, O'Neil said, so those who have the flu don't start spreading it throughout the hospital.

How can everyone make sure they're not spreading the flu?

"Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, everything they told you in kindergarten," Dr. O'Neil advised. He also tells people to get vaccinated.

How do you know if you have the flu vs. the common cold? You don't get a fever with a cold, Dr. O'Neil said, nor do you get chills or body aches.

In addition to visitation restrictions, Children's Hospital of Michigan has placed information on its website to educate the public on preventing the spread of seasonal flu HERE.

Educational posters and hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the hospital as part of the overall strategy to protect patients and their families.

 

 

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