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ThedaCare restricts children’s hospital visits

Visitors urged to wear masks, wash hands

In an effort to prevent the spread of the flu and to protect the health of patients, families and staff, ThedaCare has set visitor restrictions.

Beginning on Wednesday, Feb, 6, children under the age of 12 are temporarily not allowed to visit patients in all seven ThedaCare hospitals.

This does not apply to outpatient or clinic services.

One exception to the restriction is siblings, who do not have cold or flu symptoms, may visit the OB unit.

“The safety of patients and families is our main priority at ThedaCare,” said Dr. Jennifer Frank, Chief Medical Officer, Clinically Integrated Network at ThedaCare. “The flu is a serious, contagious respiratory illness that is best avoided by staying away from other sick people, if possible; washing your hands well with soap and water to rinse away germs that could infect your mouth, nose or eyes; and getting vaccinated.”

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services, during the 2017-2018 flu season, 7,530 people in the state were hospitalized due to flu-related complications, and 379 people died, including three children.

ThedaCare advises that people should not visit if they have a cough, fever, diarrhea or vomiting. Visitors are highly encouraged to wear masks and frequently wash or sanitize hands while at the hospital.

“If they are around infants, visit older people, or come in contact with people with compromised immunity, they can deliver influenza germs to these people who do not have the same capacity to recover,” said Frank.

ThedaCare is implementing the temporary restriction at hospitals in Waupaca, New London, Appleton, Neenah, Shawano, Berlin and Wild Rose. It will be assessed on a regular basis as new information about the influenza season becomes available.

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