Lahey Clinic has announced changes to visitation policies in response to the H1N1 flu epidemic.
As of November 2, 2009, visitors to Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington must be 18 years of age or older. This policy applies only to the main facility at 41 Mall Road in Burlington.
Except for patients seeking care, no one under 18 years of age will be allowed into the main facility in Burlington. This policy is a temporary measure that will likely be in effect for the duration of flu season.
With H1N1 flu being declared a national emergency, Lahey Clinic, like other hospitals around the country, has decided to limit visitors. We are making this policy change in an effort to prevent the spread of flu within our hospital.
H1N1 is similar to other types of influenza. The difference is that the season seems to be starting earlier, and H1N1 is affecting a younger, healthier population than we normally see. It is not more severe; it is just more common, and we are trying to keep it from spreading.
If you are a patient or visitor, please do not bring anyone under age 18 to accompany you to a clinic visit in Burlington or to visit a patient in the hospital.
- If you have a cough or a fever, you should delay visiting a patient in the hospital until you are well, to protect the patient and others from the risk of infection.
- If you have a cough or a fever and are coming to Lahey for treatment, please ask for a mask to cover your nose and mouth and prevent the spread of infection.
Thank you for helping us keep our patients safe and avoid spreading the flu.
