Southern Ocean Medical Center Places Visitor Limits Due To Flu

MANAHAWKIN, NJ - The Southern Ocean Medical Center is limiting visitors to age 12 and over due to the seasonal flu that has been so prevalant.

"We understand that this may cause some difficulty for you and your family," the hospital website states. "Our first priority is to ensure the safest possible environment for our patients and visitors. Frequently, children are contagious before they begin showing signs of illness and are highly susceptible. Allowing this age group to visit could potentially be putting patients, visitors and children at risk."

Anyone with a respiratory illness who comes into the emergency room for treatment must wear a mask, said Public Relations Director Anne Green.

"If you have a respiratory illness, you should ask for a mask," she said.

The age restrictions and mask requirements were put into place to protect not only patients, but members of the hospital team, which includes doctors, nurses and other employees, Green said.

Southern Ocean has not had to divert any patients due to any overcrowded conditions, she said.

"We are not turning any patients away," Green said.

Potential visitors with a fever or cough are asked not to visit, according to the hospital guidelines.

Visitors should wash their hands when they arrive, when they leave and after coughing or sneezing. If you have to sneeze, sneeze into a tissue or the sleeve of your clothing, the website states.

Photo: Courtesy of Southern Ocean Medical Center