Barton Memorial Hospital protecting patients against the flu

Because of an increase in flu activity in the South Lake Tahoe area, Barton Health is taking appropriate precautions to protect patients. According to a news release, effective Friday, Jan. 25, Barton Memorial Hospital has implemented the following guidelines for hospital visitors, during the height of flu season:

— Anyone under the age of 12 is not permitted to visit patients.

— Siblings of newborn infants may be allowed in Perinatal Services [Family Birthing Center] after careful screening, but must remain in the patient room at all times.

— No more than two (2) visitors per patient at any one time.

— Any individual with a fever, cough, sore throat or other respiratory symptoms may not visit patients at the hospital.

— Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis, such as visiting a terminally ill patient.

For more information about the flu, visit www.bartonhealth.org/flu.