Daviess Community Hospital has further restricted its visitation policy joining a growing number of hospitals across the countr in response to both the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses.

Effective immediately and until further notice no children under the age of 16 will be permitted at Daviess Community Hospital unless the child is a patient. In addition, DCH will limit visitors to two per patient.

The hospital previously had restricted visitors suffering flu-like symptoms — high fever, cough, aches, etc. — from being at the hospital, unless they were coming for medical care.

“This new policy is designed to further protect medically compromised patients and visiting children from being infected with either the H1N1 virus or the seasonal flu virus,” says Mary Smith, hospital spokesperson. “Centers for Disease Control studies have shown that these two groups are more likely to suffer serious effects from the flu than the average healthy adult. We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to protect our patients and prevent the spread of the flu.

“We are seeking visitor cooperation.”

Parents and caregivers are asked not to bring children with them if they need to come to the hospital for any reason. And, if you are feeling ill, with flu-like symptoms, do not visit patients in the hospital.

Smith indicated the policy is designed to keep patients and visitors healthy and stem the rate of infection from flu viruses. The hospital plans to revert back to its open visitation policy as soon as health officials believe the threat from the flu is over.