A nearly 97 percent increase of flu cases has caused AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center to expand temporary visitor restrictions at the health facility's Atlantic and Cape May county locations.
Visitors younger than 14 are now not allowed to visit any area of the hospital's Mainland or Atlantic City campuses or the Egg Harbor Township or Cape May Court House locations of the AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute, a Fox Chase Cancer Center Partner.
“From January 28 to February 5, our hospital and satellite emergency departments treated 195 patients who tested positive for flu,” said Dr. Manish Trivedi, director of AtlantiCare Medical Center's Division of Infectious Diseases. “This was nearly a 97 percent increase over the same period from a year ago."
Trivedi said patients have ranged in age from 5 months to 89 years of age with some having two strains of flu, or a flu strain in addition to another virus. The recent numbers did not include patients who sought care for flu symptoms through AtlantiCare’s Primary Care Plus or Urgent Care sites.
ARMC suggests that anyone experiencing symptoms of flu or other respiratory symptoms should reach out to their primary care physician for guidance on treatment. Those looking to find a local provider can call the AtlantiCare Access Center at 1-888-569-1000.
When it comes to the flu, the best course of action is to avoid getting it altogether. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following guidelines ...
The new temporary restriction expands the previous restrictions AtlantiCare implemented December 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,” Trivedi said. “We are taking this precautionary measure to protect them, their families, and our community.”
