Mean Season for Flu Patients Prompts Changes at Sentara Hospital

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — This year’s flu has created a mean season for those who have fallen ill.

In Virginia and at least 40 other states in the U.S., there have been widespread outbreaks of the flu virus this year and it shows no signs of stopping.

Ground zero for treatment of this year’s flu virus has been hospitals, and medical facilities across the country have seen a dramatic increase in flu cases. In fact, a CDC reports states there has been 8.1 influenza-related hospitalizations per every 100,000 people in the U.S.

Here locally, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is also seeing an increase in flu patients. Starting today, the hospital has instituted a new visitation policy to help cut back on the risk of making others sick.

More in a press release from the hospital:

Because it is difficult to determine who may be infected with influenza – people can be contagious before they start showing symptoms of flu – these policy changes apply to all visitors to our hospital throughout the flu season.

• As part of our mission to improve health every day, it is our duty to limit potential exposure to patients, staff and visitors.

• Adults only (ages 18 & older) may visit patients.

• Visitors with any symptoms of flu-like illness are encouraged not to visit patients.

• Siblings under the age of 18 may not visit. Please do not bring children to the hospital unless they are coming for treatment or a surgical procedure.

• For Pediatrics and Post-Partum other restrictions apply.

• It is strongly recommended that all outpatients and visitors wear masks while at our facility. Even if you’ve received the flu vaccine, we strongly recommend wearing a mask as the vaccine is not 100% effective and it is our duty to limit exposure to patients, staff and visitors.

According to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center President, Megan Perry, this temporary policy was put in place to protect the health of hospital patients, employees and visitors.

“Our number one priority is to always keep our patients safe,” says Perry. “It is imperative to protect those who are especially vulnerable, such as pregnant women, newborns and those with compromised immune systems, from the spread of flu. We understand that this may cause an inconvenience for families, but we believe that it’s in everyone’s best interest to implement this policy. We very much appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation in keeping our patients, staff and visitors safe and healthy.”

According to Dr. David Schwartz, vice president of Medical Affairs at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, prevention is key to limiting the spread of flu.

“The best way to prevent the spread of flu is to get a flu shot, wash your hands frequently and stay away from anyone who is already sick,” says Dr. Schwartz. “Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, which is the most common way germs are transferred from one person to another.”

Dr. Schwartz says that it is not too late to get a flu shot. Those who come down with flu-like symptoms should stay home and avoid contact with other people.