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Posted: February 22, 2008

Duke Hospital: Don't Visit Patients If You Have Flu

Flu Vaccine Can't Fight New Strains of Virus

Flu Vaccine Can't Fight New Strains of Virus

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With flu season peaking, Duke University Hospital is limiting visitors to prevent the illness from spreading to patients.

In intensive-care units and other high-risk units, visits will be limited to essential hospital personnel and the closest family member with no symptoms of influenza. In lower-risk units, including the Emergency Department, visits will be limited to essential family members who have no symptoms of the flu.

The visit limits will remain in effect until the flu peak passes, which likely will take at least a week.

The high-risk units include the surgical, cardiothoracic, neurological, coronary care, pediatric and 7200 medical intensive care units, plus the intensive-care nursery and the 5100, 5200, 5300, 7800, 9100, 9200 and 9300 floors.

RELATED TOPICS: Duke University

5 Comments

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5 COMMENTS

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Latest Comments

"They were shocked he got the flu after getting the shot". This is why I don't get the flu shot, there are too many strains of the flu out there. The shot is a bunch of bull.

saltygirl2
February 26, 2008 1:34 p.m.

The problem with flu (and most colds) is those who have it are spreading it before they begin to feel any symptoms. So while it is possible to be spreading the flu at hospitals while feeling completely normal, those with any symptoms of a cold/flu have no business near the general public for at least the first 36 hours of feeling sick.

wxfreak
February 26, 2008 10:44 a.m.

It's a shame that Hospitals even have to tell people this!But to no surprise many don't carry common sense.

PikeMom4real
February 25, 2008 2:52 p.m.

Anybody who visits someone in a hospital should have the brains to know if you have an airborne contagious sickness, don't go unless it's very necessary to visit that person. Then, they should wear a mask over their mouth and nose.

DurhamDude
February 25, 2008 12:55 p.m.

I wonder if someone is actually asking visitors how they feel or something equally assinine because I'm sure it will be hard to downright stop visitors from coming in with the flu, or any other contagious symptoms of sickness, for that matter. People are so stupid!!!!!!!!! "I wanted to come & visit you while I had the chance, even though I have this little cough & I ache all over"!!!!!