St. John’s hospitals is restricting children ages 14 and under from hospital grounds. St. John’s joins CoxHealth and Ozarks Community Hospital in the decision to help curb the spread of H1N1 influenza.
Hospitals have already been asking those with upper respiratory illness, such as a cough or fever, not to visit patients. Specialized hospital units such as intensive care, labor and delivery, postpartum, baby nurseries and cancer treatment have also already restricted access due to the high-risk nature of their patients.
According to the Greene County Health Department, 52.6 percent of confirmed influenza cases are highest among the 5-14 year-old age group. Counties throughout southwest Missouri are seeing similar trends.
“Children easily and rapidly transmit the virus. Restricting their access helps safeguard patients, employees and guests, explained Dr. William Sistrunk, St. John’s infectious disease physician.
“We ask that members of the community respect the request to protect our vulnerable patients so we may quickly assist their return to good health.”