Flu and You

Effective Monday, November 9th, a new restricted patient visitation policy will be in effect at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children for the remainder of the flu season and until further notice. This policy is informed by visitation guidelines that have been agreed to by all hospitals in the State of Delaware in coordination with the Department of Public Health and Delaware Healthcare Association. Please be aware that:

• Visitation to all inpatient and outpatient units will be limited to two adult visitors in the room at any one time.
• No children under the age of 16 years old are allowed.
• Please wash your hands before entering a patient’s room.
• Visitors may be screened for flu symptoms before entering the hospital. If you have a fever or any flu-like symptoms (see below), you may be required to wear a surgical mask.

Please do not visit if you have a fever or any of the following flu symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Runny Nose
• Body Aches
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Thank you for your understanding and helping us stop the spread of the flu.

We are aware that many people have questions regarding flu vaccinations, especially with H1N1 flu. Nemours understands your concerns, but endorses the efficacy and safety of the H1N1 vaccine in both injectable and nasal mist forms.

Because of the reduced quantities of the vaccine available, Delaware Public Health (DPH) has temporarily narrowed the target population for H1N1 vaccine to those most at risk. Only people in the following groups should contact their health care providers about H1N1 vaccine availability:

• Pregnant women
• People who live or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Children 6 months to 4 years of age
• Children 5 to 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions

Through November, H1N1 vaccines should be more widely available at health care providers, in clinics that will be conducted in schools and in pharmacies. If those in the priority groups for H1N1 vaccines are unable to obtain it from their regular medical provider or a local pharmacy, they should call the State Vaccination Hotline at 1-800-282-to determine whether they qualify to receive the vaccine.

For questions regarding vaccinations in Delaware, visit (the existing Public Heatlh website). For additional questions about the flu, visit the the flu websites listed on this page - H1N1 (Swine) Flu Center, the CDC or Delaware Public Health. For more information in DE, visit http://www.flu.delaware.gov