Verde Valley Medical Center would like to remind the community that visiting restrictions remain in effect throughout all patient care areas of the hospital. This means no children under age 18 will be allowed to visit patients.

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus. The WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus.

Novel Influenza A is a new flu virus of swine origin that first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April 2009. It is believed the H1N1 virus spreads in the same way regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus. However, it is also believed it may be spread by touching infected objects and then touching your nose or mouth. The H1N1 infection has been reported to cause a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, many people also have reported nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
    
VVMC implemented these strict visiting restrictions based upon recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Currently, anyone with flu-like symptoms is not allowed in the hospital unless they are a patient. Children under age 18 who are not sick are restricted to designated waiting areas of the hospital including the lobbies and cafeteria. These restrictions will remain in place until the CDC removes their recommendations for visitor restrictions. For current information about H1N1, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/