news-record.com

EDEN — Morehead Memorial Hospital is restricting visitors with flu-like symptoms amid concerns about the spread of the H1N1 virus.

Those who have had flu symptoms can visit the hospital once they are free of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours, hospital officials said in a news release. Children younger than 12 will not be allowed to visit the birthing center, intensive care unit or children in pediatric rooms.

"Morehead Memorial Hospital is closely monitoring the progression of H1N1 influenza in our community and is preparing for the possibility that we will be providing care for more people infected with this strain of flu," said Teresa Johnson, the hospital's infection control nurse. "Our team members are following the CDC's guidelines, as well as our own infection control procedures, to help protect our patients, employees and hospital visitors."

Patients who visit Morehead's emegency room with cold and flu symptoms will be given respiratory masks, tissues and hand wipes as a precaution.