Statement from Baptist Health Regarding H1N1 Prevention and Visitation Limitation

Jacksonville, Florida, September 1, 2009 -- Due to the increasing number of cases of novel H1N1, or swine flu, in our community, we are asking individuals to limit visitation to all Baptist Health facilities.

No one with flu-like symptoms (fever, coughing, sneezing, stomach upset) will be permitted to visit patients or patient care areas. This includes family members, friends, vendors, contractors and clergy.

In addition, child age 5 and under are not permitted to visit any Baptist Health facility (unless they are for their own patient care). This is for the child's protection, as well as the protection of our patients, visitors and staff. Children in this age group are at higher risk for the H1N1 influenza virus.

We also have discontinued sibling visitation in our Newborn Intensive Care Units (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). This means children under 18 are not permitted at this time in our NICU and PICU at Wolfson Children's Hospital, and the Level II NICU at Baptist South.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.