HCA Virginia hospitals in the Richmond market are no longer asking young visitors to stay away. The restriction on visitors under age 18 was put in place last year as levels of H1N1 influenza in the community surged, and young people appeared to be getting influenza more than older people.
The ban is lifted at CJW Medical Center’s Chippenham and Johnston-Willis Hospitals as well as all three campuses of Henrico Doctors' Hospital (Retreat, Parham and Forest). John Randolph Medical Center in Hopewell is also again allowing young visitors.
"Of course we will continue to prioritize hand hygiene and use our standard influenza precautions,’ said spokeswoman J.C. Sadler.
State Health Department data show outpatient visits to emergency rooms and urgent care centers represented less than 2 percent of all visits for the week ending Febuary 27, far below the peak of around 15 percent in November.
Although flu activity is low, health officials are still urging people to get H1N1 vaccinations. You can find out where to get one nearby at www.vdh.virginia.gov. World health officials are recommending that next year's seasonal flu vaccine include protection against the H1N1 flu strain
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