To help protect patients, visitors and staff following an increase in the number of flu cases throughout Western New York, Kaleida Health hospitals released its patient visitation policy for flu season to the media on Wednesday, November 18. 

Unless medically necessary for the child, no children under the age of 14 will be allowed at Buffalo General Hospital, DeGraff Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital and Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.

Customers with medical/dental appointments that have young children must provide childcare for those under 14 who will be staying at home. No childcare services can be provided by Kaleida Healh facilities.

Additionally, there is a limit of two individuals over the age of 14 (without signs of flu-like symptoms) visiting a patient at one time. Any visitor with the following symptoms will be encouragedto not visit a patient.  Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Runny Nose

"Although the number of cases continue to rise, it’s important to remember that symptoms of both H1N1 (swine flu) and seasonal influenza are very similar, and most cases of each are mild," said Margaret Paroski, executive vice president and chief medical officer for Kaleida Health.  "Most people recover from the seasonal flu and H1N1 at home with rest, fluids and by reducing a fever.  As always, however, please call your primary doctor or medical clinic if symptoms are more than mild."

For questions or more information about seasonal flu or H1N1, please call the Erie County Department of Health hotline at 1-800-808-1987 or visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.