Habersham Medical Center restricts child visits

DEMOREST - To help reduce the risk of infection for patients during flu season, Habersham Medical Center has announced it is restricting children ages 12 years and younger from visiting patients at the hospital.

Janice McKenzie, senior vice president of patient care services said, "We have already had several confirmed cases of the flu, and we need to take proactive steps to protect our patients, staff and visiting children as well."

"The only exception will be for children visiting their mothers and new baby brothers or sisters in the Family Birth Center," she said

"Emergency Department patients with flu-like symptoms are required to wear a mask, and we have hand sanitizer stations throughout the facility," McKenzie added.

Hospital officials advise those who develop flu-like symptoms to contact a healthcare provider, stay home and avoid contact with other people. Plus, they said it's best to cover the nose and mouth when during a cough or sneeze to prevent spread of the illness.

McKenzie said, "We also encourage those who are at high risk for getting the illness to get vaccinated."




Link: Habersham Medical Center