Jacksonville, Florida, October 6, 2010 – Now that flu season has begun, Wolfson Children’s Hospital has implemented visitation precautions effective October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011. During this timeframe, children age 5 and under will not be able to visit patients in the hospital. Parents and legal guardians are welcome to be with their hospitalized child at any time.

This early precaution is due to the fact that young children are at higher risk for the flu, and is reinforced by feedback from parents and caregivers at Wolfson Children’s Hospital during last year’s H1N1 epidemic.

In addition to the age restriction, Wolfson Children’s Hospital asks that anyone with a fever or flu-like symptoms refrain from visiting patients at the hospital. This includes, but is not limited to, the patient’s siblings, family members and friends.

“We are committed to protecting our patients, family members, visitors and staff against the flu,” says Wolfson’s Chief Medical Officer Jerry Bridgham, MD. “Because young children are particularly vulnerable, we are taking this precaution to prevent exposure and reduce the likelihood of spread of germs to children who are already sick and hospitalized. We appreciate the community’s understanding.”