Dec. 8, 2004
Kerry Fehr-Snyder
The Arizona Republic
It's that time of year when young children are barred from visiting hospitals to prevent the spread of viruses to vulnerable patients, some of whom could die if infected.
Several Valley hospitals this week instituted their annual restrictions prohibiting children from visiting areas other than hospital lobbies and cafeterias. The age cutoff varies by hospital but has centered on young children because they acquire many viruses and pass them on more readily.
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, the largest hospital in the Valley, on Monday began prohibiting children 12 and younger from visiting if they are ill with fever, cough or a runny nose.
Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix did the same thing as did Phoenix Children's Hospital, although its policy applies to children 11 and younger.
Several Banner hospitals in the East Valley plus Del E. Webb Memorial and Boswell Memorial have similar restrictions in place.
St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center, meanwhile, has taken its cue from the American Academy of Pediatrics by implementing year-round restrictions for any sick visitor.
"We're really trying to focus on all visitors who might infect our patients," said Dr. John Boyd, St. Joseph's chief pediatrics officer. Older patients and those with compromised immune systems are at special risk, as are babies and toddlers, who can die from respiratory infections.
Typically, visitor restrictions begin every fall as more people congregate indoors, unknowingly swapping viruses. The restrictions follow an increase in the number of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, cases.
But this year, several hospitals say the restrictions also are being driven by the nationwide flu-vaccine shortage that has left many people unprotected.
"We're changing this year and going to have (a general) respiratory virus season. Because of the lack of influenza vaccine, we feel like we need to recognize all respiratory viruses," said Joyce Patton, infection-control nurse at both Scottsdale Healthcare hospitals.
Neither hospitals have restrictions in place "but we're expecting it any time," she said.
The hospitals also are considering year-round restrictions like at St. Joseph's.
This year's restrictions are coming about two weeks later than last year at Phoenix Children's Hospital, said Dr. Scott Ostdiek, medical director of infection control.
Kerry Montefour, director of infection control at Banner Good Samaritan, said the hospital is trying to publicize its restrictions more this year to avoid conflicts for visitors and patients.
"The primary goal is for the health and safety of our patients, so they (visitors) are usually understanding."
She said, "RSV usually happens first, and then influenza comes along. So we're trying to head this off sooner.
"So far, influenza has kind of gotten off to a slow start, but we think we're going to see (more cases of) influenza really soon."
Additionally, hospitals are asking all visitors to wash their hands before and after visiting patient areas.
http://www.azcentral.com/health/news/articles/1208rsv08.html