Children banned from visiting in Iowa City hospitals

Children will not be allowed to visit patients at Iowa City's three hospitals until risk of the H1N1 flu pandemic has passed.

Other hospital restrictions also went into effect today in Johnson County.

Visitors are limited to two adults - 18 or older - per patient at any one time. Special circumstances may be considered at the end of life or for critically ill patients.

Anyone with signs of influenza, including a fever greater than 100, respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, or shortness of breath, as well as fatigue, chills, muscle pain, headache and vomiting or diarrhea, will not be permitted to visit any patient area.

The rules affect University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; Mercy Iowa City and Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Those same rules went into effect last week at Mercy Medical Center and St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

The limits are in effect until further notice, based on influenza activity.

“While we have not documented patients being exposed to influenza from visitors, with so much illness in the community these are reasonable steps for the hospitals to take as a precaution for patients and staff,” said Doug Beardsley, Johnson County Public Health Director.

People exposed to influenza may infect others one day before they begin to develop symptoms.

The H1N1 flu virus is more prevalent in younger age groups, so limiting the number of visitors and restricting the age of visitors will help reduce the risk that patients and staff will be exposed to the virus, he said.

“We understand that this will be an inconvenience and a disappointment to many who want to visit friends and loved ones in our hospitals, but this proactive step will help make our patients safer,” said Kenneth Kates, CEO of UI Hospitals and Clinics. “We appreciate the public's understanding and patience during this unusual time.”