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Lee Health further restricts visitations as flu cases increase

Posted at 10:04 AM, Jan 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-16 10:04:18-05

LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Hospital officials are further restricting visitations by children at all Lee Health hospitals as a precaution due to flu cases in the area.

In a statement released Tuesday, Lee Health says children age 12 and younger are being temporarily restricted  from visiting all units in hospitals across Lee Health. 

This includes Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and Lee Memorial Hospital. 

Compassionate care allowances will be made when necessary.

Earlier this month, precautionary action was taken to restrict children from visiting patients in the intensive care units (ICUs), pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and hematology/oncology units.

Lee Health also asks the community to:

  • Get the flu vaccine, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine (a secondary illness)
  • Practice good hand hygiene—wash hands often
  • Stay home when you are ill—especially do not visit the hospital if you have flu-like symptoms
  • Cover your cough and, if you use a tissue, dispose of it in a waste receptacle

If you experience signs and symptoms of flu, visit your primary care doctor, a Lee Health Convenient Care, walk-in or urgent care center.

The signs and symptoms of flu include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache and fatigue. Some may experience vomiting and diarrhea, though that is more common in children.