Genesis Hospital restricts visitation amid rise in respiratory illnesses

In response to the high incidence of respiratory viral illnesses like COVID-19, flu and RSV in the area, Genesis HealthCare System is requesting the support of the community to protect patients and help prevent the spread of these illnesses.

Visitation is limited in all areas of Genesis Hospital to the following:

—Age 18 and older.

—Immediate family only.

—Two visitors per patient.

—Those free of respiratory illness symptoms including cough, fever, sore throat, body aches and vomiting.

Flu symptoms typically last three days to two weeks. Most people can recover at home without medical care. However, if there are emergency warning signs of flu in children or adults as outlined below, go to the emergency department immediately. People with mild flu symptoms are advised to follow the Centers for Disease Control recommendations: stay home and call their physician if there are concerns about a risk of complications. If community members come to the hospital and are not sick with the flu, they may run the risk of catching it.

When to go to the hospital

Emergency warning signs in children include the following:

—Fast breathing or trouble breathing.

—Bluish skin color in lips or face.

—Ribs pulling in with each breath.

—Chest pain.

—Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk).

—Dehydration: not drinking enough fluids, no urine for eight hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying.

—Not waking up or not interacting.

—Fever above 104 F that is not controlled by fever-reducing medication.

—Any fever in children younger than 12 weeks.

—Being so irritable the child does not want to be held.

—Seizures.

—Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen.

—Worsening of chronic medical conditions.

Emergency warning signs in adults include the following:

—Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

—Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.

—Persistent dizziness, confusion or inability to arouse.

—Seizures.

—Not urinating.

—Severe muscle pain.

—Severe weakness or unsteadiness.

—Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen.

—Worsening of chronic medical conditions.

For more information on flu, visit Genesis’ website at www.genesishcs.org or the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' website at www.flu.gov.