Providence Health & Services in Oregon is taking steps to prevent its patients from getting the flu.
Pregnant women, young children and other people who are being treated at the hospitals face an increased risk if they are exposed to the influenza virus. As a result, Providence has put the following temporary procedures in place.
At family birth centers and intensive care units:
• No visitors younger than 18, including immediate family members.
• Only two designated support persons per family may attend the birth.
• No more than two visitors (per patient) in the hospital at any one time.
• Healthy newborns will room with their mothers to limit any potential exposure.
Other areas of the hospitals:
• No visitors younger than 18, with the exception of immediate family members.
• No more than two visitors (per patient) in the hospital at any one time.
• Patients with a fever and a cough or sore throat should wear a mask.
There are no visitor restrictions for patients receiving end-of-life care, but hospital staff will ask those visitors to remain in the patient room and take appropriate precautions.
