AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) has expanded its temporary visitor restrictions due to an increase in the number of its patients who have tested positive for flu.
According to a release, as of Feb. 7, visitors under the age of 14 may not visit any area of the hospital’s Mainland or Atlantic City campuses or the Egg Harbor Township or Court House locations of the AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute, a Fox Chase Cancer Center Partner.
“From Jan. 28 to Feb. 5, our hospital and satellite emergency departments treated 195 patients who tested positive for flu,” stated Manish Trivedi, M.D., director, Division of Infectious Diseases, ARMC. “This was nearly a 97% increase over the same period from a year ago. Patients have ranged from 5 months to 89 years of age. We’re also seeing patients who have two strains of flu or a flu strain and another respiratory virus.” He noted the recent numbers did not include patients who sought care for flu symptoms through AtlantiCare’s Primary Care Plus or Urgent Care sites.
Trivedi said AtlantiCare recommends those experiencing symptoms of flu and other respiratory illnesses call their primary care or urgent care provider or pediatrician for guidance on what treatment to seek.
Community members seeking a primary care, pediatric, urgent care or other provider can call the AtlantiCare Access Center at 1-888-569-1000.
Trivedi added AtlantiCare continues to urge the community to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for protecting themselves and other against flu. They include ensuring those six months and older get the flu vaccine, washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick.
Year-round AtlantiCare restricts anyone with a fever of 100 or above and any of the following from visiting all areas of the hospital and its ambulatory care sites:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Vomiting and diarrhea
The new temporary restriction expands the previous restrictions AtlantiCare implemented Dec. 27 at its Roger B. Hansen Center for Childbirth, at ARMC Mainland Campus; Stanley M. Grossman Pediatric Center at ARMC Atlantic City Campus; and its Cancer Care Institute locations.
“Our patients who have health issues that impact their immunity are more susceptible to flu and other illnesses,” stated Trivedi. “We are taking this precautionary measure to protect them, their families, and our community.”
