ELMIRA-- A local hospital is cracking down on who can visit the hospital over the next few months.
Arnot Ogden Medical Center is restricting children under 18 and anyone who feels sick from visiting patients.
The emergency room at Arnot Ogden Medical Center has been packed with people experiencing flu-like symptoms. Now, administrators are taking steps to keep it from getting worse.
The hospital is concerned, not only about its own patients, but also the well-being of the community.
Administrators say, at least for flu season, sick adults and all children under the age of 18 are being asked not to visit patients.
"We also have a lot of immunal-competant patients here who getting the influenza on top of their other health issues could be devastating. So we really feel it's important to protect the well-being of our patients," said Carolyn Handrick, the Arnot Ogden Medical Center Community Relations Director.
Handrick says kids under the age of 18 tend be more susceptible to influenza and carry it longer- even a few days before they start to show symptoms.
That's why starting Thursday, you'll see signs asking you to leave the kids home and if you feel sick - well you might have to sit this one out.
What do visitors think about the changes?
"I'm 100 percent for it. I saw some kids in earlier with masks on and it frightens me to get the flu," said Bill Paradiso, Watkins Glen.
"If they close schools, they should certaintly be keeping children out of hospitals and any place where they can pick up germs or give germs to pther people," said Marge MacPherson, Elmira.
If you're restricted from visiting a loved one - you can send an e-card through the hospital website. Just,
Click Here.
