Inova Alexandria Hospital Temporarily Restricts Visitors Due to Increased Flu

Update: Visitations restrictions have been lifted as of May 7, 2016.

FALLS CHURCH, VA– February 29, 2016 – Due to increased flu-like illness activity at Inova Alexandria Hospital, the hospital has instituted temporary changes to their visitation policy.

The temporary measures apply to visitors until further notice:

• No visitors under the age of 16
• No visitors with any symptoms of influenza-like illness
• Visitors will be limited to two persons
• Visitors may be issued masks for use while visiting, and asked to wash hands frequently
• For Women’s and Children’s Units as well as Adult Critical Care, and Oncology patients additional measures may apply.
• A patient care companion is not a visitor, and is allowed to stay with the patient.

“These temporary measures will help protect against influenza infection of the most vulnerable among us, including inpatients with compromised immune systems as well as our caregivers,” observed Dr. Loring Flint, Inova’s Chief Medical Officer. “We appreciate everyone’s consideration and cooperation as,  together, we work to assure the health and safety of our community during flu season.”

If and when Inova’s other hospitals experience the same increase in flu-like illness activity, they, too will implement temporary visitation measures.  When the level of flu infection decreases, Inova Alexandria Hospital will return to its open visitation policy.

Media Contact:  Tracy Connell, tracy.connell@inova.org