October 23, 2009
For Immediate Release

Visitor Restrictions at Sacred Heart Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Luther Midelfort & Red Cedar Medical Center

Eau Claire, WI – In an effort to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus to patients, Sacred Heart Hospital and Luther Midelfort in Eau Claire, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, and Red Cedar Medical Center in Menomonie are requesting that children under the age of 16 do not visit hospital patients at this time. This is in response to the significant, recent increase in H1N1 prevalence in this age group. Limiting visitors to immediate family members is also encouraged at this time.

As always, for the safety of our patients, any visitors who display cold or flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, coughing, nausea, runny nose and diarrhea are asked to refrain from visiting hospital patients until the visitor is symptom-free for least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.

Members of the community are reminded to practice good health habits during this cold and flu season, including:

• Staying home when you are sick
• Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Washing your hands often
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth

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