Jacksonville, Florida, November 2, 2009 – Because H1N1 is more likely to occur among children, and because children can be infectious for longer periods of time, Wolfson Children’s Hospital is changing its hospital visitation policy.

Effective today, Wolfson Children’s Hospital will no longer allow non-patient visitors or family members under the age of 18 years to visit patients in the hospital. This policy will remain in effect until further notice.

Parents/legal guardians, grandparents or a designated parent substitute, such as a close family friend or adult sibling, may visit patients. If the parents are under 18, they will be allowed to visit their child.

The hospital is not alone in limiting visitation to those over age 18; other children’s hospitals throughout the country are using similar strategies to help reduce the exposure of H1N1 flu to patients. Younger family and friends are encouraged to call, email, or text their loved ones in the hospital rather than visiting in person.

“We understand this restriction may be difficult for families who are worried about their loved one’s health, but our number-one concern remains the health and safety of our patients and caregivers,” says Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Jerry Bridgham, MD. “The health risks for infants, children and pregnant women who contract the flu can be very serious, and we feel very strongly about the importance of keeping our children’s hospital as free from flu exposure as possible.”

Baptist Health also is advising all staff, visitors and parents (regardless of age) not to enter any of its hospitals, including Wolfson Children’s Hospital, if symptoms of an influenza-like illness are present. Symptoms include fever of 100º F or higher and cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills, fatigue, and/or stomach upset.