Staff Writer

Mercy Medical Center is taking another step in its fight with the flu as it has changed its visitation rules.

As of Monday, adults who want to visit patients are limited to immediately family. Children under the age of 18 are no longer allowed to visit any hospitalized patients. Meanwhile, the obstetrics unit also is closed to all visitors. The restrictions do not have a set time limit and are in place until further notice.

"We're just gonna wait and see how long the H1N1 virus stays in the community and continues to infect," said James Moe of Mercy's infection control.

Mercy is following other hospitals in the state in restricting visitor access to prevent the spread of the flu, especially children. "Looking at the data, that is the age group that is most affected by H1N1 virus," Moe said. "And they are also the one that is attending day cares and schools, so there's an increased chance of contracting the illness. We're hoping that by eliminating that group from the hospital, we can really limit the virus's spread."

The hospital began considering the move two weeks ago, and decided to go ahead with it earlier this week.

Moe is not aware of the hospital ever having to restrict visitors in this way before.

"But we've never had H1N1 before," Moe said.