Flu Update: Important Visitor Information

To protect our patients, staff and visitors this flu season, Rush University Medical Center has initiated new visitor guidelines. Since children are at the highest risk of H1N1 flu infection, no one under the age of 16 will be allowed to visit hospitalized patients at this time.

We ask that all people who have flu-like symptoms, regardless of age, please refrain from visiting patients in the hospital. All visitors to the medical center will be screened upon arrival for symptoms of the flu. As you enter Rush, please let Rush staff members know if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue

If you’re a visitor and exhibit any of the symptoms listed above, you may be asked to go home rather than potentially spread illness to others. If you’re a patient coming to see your doctor and you have flu-like symptoms, you will be asked to wear a mask.

Thank you for helping us keep you, your loved ones and all of us safe. For more information, see Rush's flu information page or visit flu.gov, a Web site maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

If you have questions about treatment for flu-like symptoms, please talk with your physician. If you need a primary care physician, please contact physician referral at (888) 352-RUSH (7874).

Visiting Hours

• Main hospital: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Johnston R. Bowman Health Center: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Visitor Policies

• Special policies apply for intensive care and other select units. Please check with the specific unit or the information desk at (312) 942-2560.
• We ask that no more than two people visit a patient at one time.
• Children under age 16 years are not permitted to visit unless special arrangements are made with the nurse in charge.
• Visitors must check in at the Information Desk on the fourth floor of the Atrium Building (see map) to receive a special pass, which must be worn at all times while in the Medical Center.
• If you have any questions during your visits, please don't hesitate to ask a staff member.

Surgical Family Waiting Room

Family and friends waiting for patients during surgery should go to the Smith Lounge, located on the fourth floor of the Atrium Building. The receptionist in the lounge checks on patients' progress throughout the day and keeps family and friends informed. You may call the Smith Lounge at (312) 942-5710.

Wi-Fi

Free wi-fi is available in public areas of the Atrium, Armour Academic Center and Johnston R. Bowman Health Center. All inpatient beds also have access to free Wi-Fi.