Peoria hospitals restrict visits to fight H1N1
This makes perfect sense to me.
From a press release:
HOSPITAL VISITATIONS RESTRICTED IN LIGHT OF H1N1 FLU
Peoria, Illinois October 20, 2009—In light of the growing numbers of H1N1 influenza cases in central Illinois, Methodist Medical Center, in conjunction with OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Proctor Hospital, and Pekin Hospital, are restricting the age of visitors to their facilities.
Effective immediately, and until further notice, hospital visitors will be limited to those 12 years of age and older. In addition, it is strongly recommended that anyone showing flu-like symptoms please refrain from visiting patients in the hospital.
This request is being made out of respect for our patients, many of whom already have compromised immune systems. Children have been particularly susceptible to the H1N1 virus and may be contagious prior to showing symptoms.
Debbie Simon, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Methodist said, “We are taking this step to help ensure the safety of our patients and visitors. Family and friends can help by keeping children at home, and by staying home themselves if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms.”
In addition to the visitor restriction for hospitalized patients, it is also recommended families limit the number of relatives and friends accompanying patients to the Emergency Department, outpatient surgery waiting rooms, procedure areas, and primary care/specialist offices.
This policy will remain in effect for the foreseeable future.
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
Wait… what? Children under 6 years old or so, who are most at risk and they are being restricted? How does that make sense? I would think the 12 and up group would be the one’s asked to try and stay home as they are better able to tough it out.
Mahkno: They are restricting VISITS to patients’ rooms. Not restricting the age of people coming to the hospital because they are sick.
The Administration at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Illinois, along with the other hospitals, felt this was a measure we had to take to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus from our very sick patients. There are times when families bring several children to visit a patient who really needs to be away from germs. You can be a carrier of H1N1 and not feel sick or have symptoms.