Restrictions on Visitors during Flu Season
The spread of seasonal and H1N1 influenza in our community has prompted Inova Health System – and other healthcare providers across the country – to take special measures to protect patients, staff and visitors. Because it is difficult to determine who may be infected with influenza – people can be contagious before they start showing the symptoms of flu, which include fever and a cough – these policy restrictions apply to all visitors to our hospital inpatient units throughout the flu season.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to protect the safety of our patients, staff and visitors.
In all inpatient units
- There will be two blocks of visiting hours – one from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (see exceptions for high-risk areas, below)
- Visitors with any symptoms of influenza-like illness are not allowed.
- Visitors (including siblings) under the age of 18 are not allowed.
- Only two people may visit an inpatient at a time (see exceptions below).
- Spouses/significant others, parents or direct caregivers (son, daughter or other immediate family member responsible for care) may be exempted from limits to visiting hours, at the discretion of the Patient Care Director.
- Visitors may be required to wear masks or other protective clothing when visiting, especially in high-risk areas. Visitors who do not wear this protective clothing in accordance with instructions will be asked to leave.
- Maternity and pre-surgical tours, previously suspended during flu season, are beginning again the week of February 14.
In addition to these general rules, which apply to inpatient visitation throughout Inova, we have additional limitations to protect patients who are most at risk from influenza:
In Labor and Delivery
Visitors to women in L&D units are limited to three people: a spouse or significant other (the individual whom the mother chooses to receive the baby band), and two additional visitors of the mother's choice. The visiting hours spelled out above do not apply to any of these people.
In all other Women's Units (including Family-Centered Care and Post-Partum)
Visitors to women in these units are limited to three people: a spouse or significant other (for whom the visiting hours spelled out above do not apply), and two additional visitors who may visit only during the hours described under "In all inpatient units" above.
In Children’s Units (including NICU, PICU and Pediatrics)
Visitors to infants and children are limited to two people, who must be the parents or guardians of the infant or child patient. The visiting hours spelled out above do not apply to these visitors.
In Adult Critical Care (ICU) and Oncology Patients/Units
Visitors are limited to spouses/significant others, parents or direct caregivers (son, daughter, or other immediate family member responsible for care) only, who may visit only during the hours described under “In all inpatient units,” above.
Note: There may be exceptions to this policy in certain very limited circumstances, such as situations where a patient is at the end of life. In cases where exceptions are made, it will be at the discretion of the physician and the hospital leadership.
