N.J. hospitals may limit visits to prevent flu

    By Phil Gregory

    Hospitals in New Jersey are being urged to restrict visitors to prevent the spread of swine flu.

    By Phil Gregoryphilgregorynews@gmail.com

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    Hospitals in New Jersey are being urged to restrict visitors to prevent the spread of swine flu.

    Listen:
    [audio: 091110pghospital.mp3]

    New Jersey Hospital Association Vice President Aline Holmes says hospitals are being asked not to allow people younger than 18 to visit patients.

    Holmes: We’re also suggesting that all visitors be screened at least so that obviously sick visitors with fevers, cough, sore throats, fatigue, we encourage them to stay home and not come visit anybody in the hospital.

    Many hospitals have already put those visitor restrictions in place.

    Holmes says the precautions are aimed at preventing the transmission of H1N1 to children who are the most vulnerable to swine flu, and to reduce the chances of spreading it to people who are already sick. Health officials say H1N1 continues to be widespread in New Jersey. The availability of the vaccine is still not enough to meet the demand.

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