Hospital visitation policy revised for flu season

Kaiser Permanente has made a temporary change to our hospital visitation policy to provide the best protection for our patients, visitors, employees and providers during this unusual flu season. Amending our hospital visitation policy was a difficult decision to make, but one we believe is important for everyone’s good health.

Effective immediately, no visitors 14 years of age or younger will be admitted, even family members. Children 14 and under are at higher risk for infection with H1N1 influenza, and they may not indicate that they are not feeling well early on in the illness (when it is most contagious), and are less likely to follow hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette practices.

Also, please do not visit the hospital if you have a fever higher than 100 degrees, a cough or sore throat, or any other flu-like symptoms. Of course, this does not apply if you are here for a doctor’s visit.

This policy is expected to remain in effect until the end of flu season, or when the H1N1 pandemic has ended.

Help us keep our patients safe. If you are ill, send your good wishes with a card or phone call.

Thank you for understanding and for your cooperation, and we apologize for any inconvenience.