Help us prevent the spread of respiratory illness

Effective Monday, Sept.14, 2009, children (12 and under) will no longer be allowed to visit  patients staying at Washakie Medical Center. This decision is out of concern for our patients during the flu season, especially with the risk of swine flu (H1N1 virus).

Children who are 12 years old or younger are no longer allowed to visit patient rooms since they are the most at-risk group as carriers and transmitters of the flu and the swine flu virus. 

If children cannot be left at home, they may stay in public waiting rooms at the hospital as long as they're supervised by an adult. In addition, Washakie Medical Center asks adults to restrict visits if they have any flu symptoms.

This is the first time such restrictions have been put in place and they will be in place until the end of flu season, which could be in January.

Flu cases seem to be occurring earlier this year. Cases of the swine flu have been verified in Wyoming and there is concern about the spread of the H1N1 virus.

View the H1N1 Guide for Parents, from the CDC (Center for Disease Control)