MedStar Montgomery Medical Center is restricting visitors age 12 and under due to an increase in influenza in the community.

Montgomery County is experiencing an increase in the influenza virus in the community. In an abundance of caution, MedStar Montgomery Medical Center—and all hospitals in the county—are restricting hospital visitors age 12 and under except in the following circumstances:

• Emergency and end-of-life circumstances
• To escort a family member to the Emergency Department
• Pediatric patients of our outpatient Behavioral Health program
• Children attending community classes located in non-patient care areas such as our Home Alone class and Breastfeeding and Postpartum Support Groups.

Additionally, visits to the Maternal Newborn Center are limited to those age 18 and over.

Please do not visit the hospital if you have signs of the flu such as runny nose, cough, or fever. If you are planning to visit, be sure to wash your hands often, including before entering and when leaving a patient’s room. Washing your hands is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses.

Thank you.

Additional good to know information to prevent the spread of infection:

• Do not visit the hospital if you have signs of possible flu (runny nose, cough, fever about 100 or above, etc.)
• Wash your hands often and before entering a patient’s room and upon leaving. Sinks and/or waterless hand sanitizer units are available on all floors.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

If You Become Ill:

• Stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. You should remain at home until you've had no symptoms for 24 hours and without use of Tylenol/Ibuprofen.
• If you develop severe symptoms, including a fever of 103 degrees or higher, please contact your primary care physician.