Hospitals stick with H1N1 restrictions

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The H1N1 scare has tapered off and the number of vaccinations available has jumped, but visitor restrictions at local hospitals will remain in effect until at least May.

The New Mexico Department of Health has recommended that anyone 15 years old or younger not be allowed to visit patients in the hospital because of the chance of spreading H1N1. People in this age group are considered the most likely carriers of the virus.

Presbyterian and University of New Mexico hospitals have both followed this recommendation. Lovelace follows a stricter policy by not allowing anyone 18 or younger in the hospital.

News 13 has now learned that these restrictions are set to stay in place until late April or May.

"Of course there is the potential of another surge coming up in springtime or middle of winter here so we are concerned about seasonal flu and H1N1 flu," President and CEO Jeff Dye of the New Mexico Hospital Association told KRQE News 13. "The thought is to continue precautions and err on the side of safety if anything."

The DOH has reported 50 deaths linked to the H1N1 flu strain this year, many of those involving people already dealing with chronic health issues. No H1N1-related deaths have been reported in the last week.

Right now most hospitals are only making an exception to the rule for terminally ill patients. That has many people including a mother-to-be upset.

"I think it's absolutely ridiculous because when I have my baby in March my daughter can't be up there and visit me," Alana Davis said. "She'll have to stay in the waiting room.

"She has her shots up to date. They should take into account that she is good."

Presbyterian officials said they are not making exceptions in the maternity wing because of the especially high risk to pregnant women and newborns. Pregnant women have been identified as among the most at-risk for deadly consequences from the virus.

While they say it's a hard policy for everyone to deal with they believe it's in everyone's best interest.

Many support the decision including Jessica Torres.

"For everybody's health I think they should not allow you in," Torres said. "What if you have cancer? Your immune system is shot, and if you go in with H1N1, then you could infect somebody else."