UK HealthCare Implements Hospital Visitation Restrictions Due to Flu
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 16, 2020) — UK HealthCare is temporarily amending its inpatient hospital visitation policy beginning Thursday, Jan. 16 to be proactive in helping protect the health and well-being of patients and health care workers during this flu season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently reporting flu is widespread in Kentucky. UK HealthCare's hospitals and clinics are seeing an increase in the number of patients with influenza and influenza-like symptoms.
To help prevent the spread of flu, UK HealthCare has implemented the following measures:
· No visitors under the age of 12 (except in Bone Marrow Transplant where no visitors under the age of 18 are permitted).
· No visitors with any symptoms of flu-like illness.
· Only two visitors will be permitted in a patient’s room at one time.
· Visitors may be issued masks or other protective clothing for use when visiting.
· Additional restrictions may be in place in special care units such as women's and children’s units, critical care and oncology units.
· Compassionate visitation exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
"These procedures are designed to help protect patients, visitors and staff from exposure to the flu and are in effect at all UK HealthCare inpatient units including University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital, Kentucky Children's Hospital, UK Good Samaritan Hospital and Eastern State Hospital," said Dr. Derek Forster, medical director for infection prevention and control at UK HealthCare.
It is still recommended anyone six months of age and older who haven't received a flu shot, receive one. The flu vaccination is still the first and best way to prevent influenza.
Everyday preventive actions are also recommended to stop the spread of germs.
This includes:
· Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze.
· Washing hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, if soap and water aren't available.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
· Avoid close contact with sick people when possible.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
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