Portsmouth Regional Hospital Sets More Flu Restrictions

Portsmouth Regional Hospital officials announced some new restrictions on visitors on Monday as the hospital continues to battle widespread flu cases.

Nancy Notis, a Portsmouth Regional Hospital spokesperson, said Monday afternoon that children under 12 will not be allowed to enter the hospital unless they need treatment.

"We are restricting visitors under age 12 for all areas of the hospital unless they are treated here."

She said any hospital visitors who have flu-like symptoms or respiratory illnesses "should refrain from visiting any patient care unit."

She said all hospital visitors who go to the Intensive Care Unit or the Maternity Unit will be required to check in at the nurses station.

"If the flu pandemic warrants further limitations, it will be at the discretion of the hospital," Notis said.

Meanwhile, New Hampshire Health and Human Services officials say the state continues to see widespread flu cases. Dr. Jodie Dionne-Odom, deputy director of epidemiology at the state agency, said the number of New Hampshire flu-related deaths increased from 14 to 16 over the weekend.

Barbara Pamboukes, the director of the Portsmouth Schools Nursing Department at New Franklin School, said she continues to see a high number of students out sick with a variety of illnesses. She stressed the importance of getting a flu vaccination shot after saying that there are still plenty of vaccines available at Portsmouth area pharmacies and physician offices.

Pamboukes said she contacted three Portsmouth physician's offices on Monday and learned that they all still had an ample supply of flu vaccine and were in the process of ordering more from the state. She said she continues to talk with Portsmouth Regional Hospital officials to see if there will be a need to conduct a community flu vaccination clinic.

"If we are asked at any time to open up a clinic, we will do that," she said.