Bassett Announces Flu Season Visitation Restrictions

Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown is restricting visitation at the birthing center and on the pediatric unit.

This is in response to State Health Commissioner Nirav Shah's recent announcement that reported cases of influenza are increasing throughout New York and the 2013-2014 flu season is underway.

Bassett's restrictions are:

Individuals 14 years of age and younger will not be allowed to visit maternity or pediatric patients. Only parents, grandparents, birthing coaches and siblings over the age of 14 may visit.

“Newborns and young children are among our most vulnerable patients and at greater risk for complications from the flu,” notes Chief of Pediatrics Dr. Philip Heavner. “Limiting visitation to healthy individuals is in the best interest of our patients, their loved ones and our staff."

New York state health law requires hospital employees who have not been vaccinated against the flu to wear a surgical mask in areas where patients may be present to reduce the risk of exposing patients to the flu. In addition, outpatients in the clinic or hospital who are on campus for a medical appointment and exhibiting symptoms of illness are asked to wear a mask. These are available at the main entrances and waiting areas in the hospital and clinic building.

To further protect patients, individuals exhibiting signs of illness are asked not to visit any inpatient units at Bassett Medical Center until fully recovered.

Visitor restrictions may be expanded if there is a substantial increase in the number of people exhibiting flu-like symptoms in Otsego County.

"Patients hospitalized with respiratory illnesses are always put on precautions and this becomes especially important during the flu season. When we begin to see documented cases of the flu in our area, we begin to consider what additional precautions we need to take to protect our patients,” says Ruth Blackman, Senior Director of Quality Resources Management at Bassett. “The best way to protect against getting the flu is to be vaccinated against it and wash your hands with soap and water frequently.”

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. The virus can survive on a hard surface for as long as 48 hours and on paper or cloth 12 hours.

To learn more about seasonal influenza, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.