To protect patients, staff and visitors this flu season, Rush University Medical Center has initiated new visitor guidelines effective November 4th. 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 until flu rates subside.

All people who have flu-like symptoms, regardless of age, are asked to please refrain from visiting patients at Rush. Beginning November 4^th, trained Rush staff members will begin screening visitors to the medical center upon arrival for symptoms of the flu.

Visitors who exhibit flu symptoms may be asked to go home rather than potentially spread illness to others. Patients coming to the medical center for appointments who have flu-like symptoms will be asked to wear a mask. All visitors and patients are being encouraged to wash their hands upon arrival.

These steps are based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to decrease the potential for the H1N1 influenza to spread. Many other hospitals across the country have begun screening and restricting visitors in a similar way to prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses.

“The number of patients coming to Rush with flu-like symptoms has increased significantly in the last week,” said Bob Clapp, senior vice president of hospital operations. “It is important to take these extra precautions to keep our patients, visitors, employees, students and faculty safe.”

For more information about patient and visitor services at Rush, please visit www.rush.edu