Annual visitation restrictions go into effect at FMC Dec. 1

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Due to the start of the Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) season, Flagstaff Medical Center is implementing annual visitation restrictions in all patient-care areas of the hospital beginning Monday, Dec. 1. Children 12 and under will be restricted to first-floor, common areas of the hospital (unless they are a patient) and cannot be left unattended. These areas include main lobby areas and the Cafeteria and the Dining Room. If at all possible, visitors are asked to leave children at home when they come to the hospital to visit patients.

FMC implements annual visitation restrictions during Influenza and RSV season as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to infectious disease specialist Mark Lacy, M.D., FMC is implementing these restrictions for the safety of patients, visitors and staff.

"Although experts are not sure how severe the Influenza and RSV season will be, we need to take whatever precautions we can to help prevent the spread of the flu," Lacy said. "One of the best ways to decrease the spread of a virus is to limit exposure to people with symptoms and younger children who may carry the virus."

Anyone who has symptoms of illness such as a fever, headache, sore throat, body aches, congestion or a cough should not visit the hospital unless they require hospital services. Additionally, patients exhibiting these symptoms will be required to wear a mask to minimize the spread of infection, and will be asked to wash their hands frequently.

Influenza and RSV is present in respiratory secretions and can be transmitted when a person coughs or sneezes. The viruses also can be transmitted person-to-person via nasal secretions and contaminated hands.

RSV is a very common virus that causes cold-like symptoms in children and adults. Premature babies whose lungs are not fully developed, newborn infants and those patients with lung or heart conditions are extremely vulnerable to the virus, which can be fatal. A person exposed to RSV can give it to others without even knowing they have it. These restrictions are expected to last until the influenza and RSV season ends in the spring.

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