Community Corner

Scripps Hospitals Impose Visitor Restrictions Because of Flu's Spread

Starting Wednesday at 8 a.m., hospital personnel will screen all visitors and turn away those with flu symptoms.

Starting Wednesday, Scripps hospitals in San Diego will impose restrictions on visitors to prevent the spread of the flu virus.

"With cases of H1N1 influenza rising quickly in the area, we are taking precautionary measures to limit the risk of infection in our hospitals," said Scripps Chief Medical Officer James LaBelle, M.D. in a statement Tuesday.

So far in the current flu season, San Diego County has recorded seven flu-related deaths.

Scripps said visitor restrictions will go into effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday at Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego, Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, and Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla.

Scripps personnel will screen all visitors and enforce the following guidelines:

  • Visitors displaying symptoms of flu-like illness will be asked to leave.
  • Children age 14 and younger will not be allowed in the hospital unless they are patients receiving treatment or have appointments.
  • Patients will be limited to a maximum of four visitors per day.
  • Exceptions may be allowed for special circumstances.

Scripps noted that it’s not too late to get a flu shot, saying that getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting the flu.


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