Restrictions on KRHC patient visits during flu season

The spread of seasonal and H1N1 influenza has prompted Kossuth Regional Health Center to put a visitor restriction policy in place to prevent the spread of influenza and protect their patients.

Effective Monday, November 2, the hospital will limit visitors as follows:

• Visitors with respiratory symptoms (influenza-like symptoms) are restricted from seeing patients
• OB visitation will be restricted to a significant other and grandparents
• Visits to pediatric patients are limited to parents and grandparents
• Patients in isolation are limited to a significant other and parents plus two adult visitors
• Visitors 18 years of age and under are restricted from entering the hospital

“People that are infected with the flu can be contagious before they even begin showing symptoms,” said Dr. Burt Bottjen, family physician at Kossuth Regional Health Center.  “Limiting visitor contact is the most effective way for us to keep our patients safe and help prevent the spread of seasonal flu or H1N1.  Restricted visitation is especially important for pregnant or recently pregnant women, newborn babies and those with compromised immune systems.”

Hospitals across Iowa are implementing similar policies.  KRHC continues to utilize additional strategies to protect against the spread of illness, such as making facial masks and hand sanitizer available for patients in the clinic and the emergency room. 

“At this point we don’t know how long we’ll have this policy in place, or whether we may need to tighten the restrictions even further as the flu season progresses,” Bottjen said.  “In the meantime we appreciate people’s cooperation and encourage everyone to cover their cough, wash their hands regularly and stay home when they are sick.”

If personal visits aren’t possible, KRHC offers other opportunities to connect with hospital inpatients.  Send a greeting card to an inpatient by going to www.krhc.com and click on “Email a Patient” to send a message.  Greeting cards are delivered to patients Monday through Friday during business hours.  CaringBridge is another way patients and their loved ones can connect and share online updates.  A link to CaringBridge is also available at www.krhc.com.

For additional information or resources regarding H1N1 or the seasonal flu, call the Community Health Hotline at 515-295-4451 or go to www.krhc.com.