News

With H1N1 influenza circulating in the community and primarily affecting young people, along with the onset of seasonal flu, local hospitals have joined together to implement new youth visitation policies for the protection of patients and visitors to their facilities.

Effective Monday, Sept. 14, visitors to the following hospitals must be 19 years of age or older to visit any area of the facilities:

Doctors Hospital in Columbus
Hughston Hospital in Columbus
Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital in Phenix City
The Medical Center in Columbus
St. Francis Hospital in Columbus

The new youth visitation policy will remain in effect throughout the current flu season, or until further notice. In extenuating circumstances, exceptions may be allowed on the age restriction policy, but will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the West Central Health District, most cases of flu-like illness are occurring in children and young adults, with the majority occurring in elementary and middle-school aged children. Area hospitals are working in collaboration with the West Central Health District to minimize the risk of exposure to influenza in their facilities.

The hospitals have designated direct telephone lines for those with questions or who need additional information:

Doctors Hospital in Columbus - (706) 494-4900
Hughston Hospital in Columbus - (706) 494-2430
Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital in Phenix City - (334) 732-3013
The Medical Center in Columbus - (706) 660-6129
St. Francis Hospital in Columbus - (706) 243-6585

Hospital officials express their appreciation to the community for their understanding and cooperation with these efforts to minimize exposure during this active flu season. They also encourage adults throughout the community to consult with their personal physicians about obtaining a seasonal flu shot as soon as possible. For more information about flu prevention and caring for flu patients at home, please visit columbushealth.com.

Please help us spread the word about visiting to family and friends. It may be more practical to call, e-mail or send flowers to your friend or loved one while they are in the hospital.

You can help control the spread of the flu by following these tips from the CDC:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home until you go 24 hours without a fever. (Your temperature should be normal without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) It is okay to leave home to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.