AtlantiCare Atlantic City campus
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center has expanded its temporary visitor restrictions due to an increase in the number of its patients who have tested positive for flu. As of Friday, Feb. 7, visitors under the age of 14 may not visit any area of the hospital's Mainland or Atlantic City campuses or the Egg Harbor Township or Cape May Court House locations of the AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute, a Fox Chase Cancer Center Partner.
From Jan. 28 to Feb. 5, our hospital and satellite emergency departments treated 195 patients who tested positive for flu, said Manish Trivedi, M.D., director, Division of Infectious Diseases, ARMC. This was nearly a 97% increase over the same period from a year ago. Patients have ranged from five months to 89 years of age. We're also seeing patients who have two strains of flu or a flu strain and another respiratory virus.
He noted the recent numbers did not include patients who sought care for flu symptoms through AtlantiCare's Primary Care Plus or Urgent Care sites.
Trivedi said AtlantiCare recommends those experiencing symptoms of flu and other respiratory illnesses call their primary care or urgent care provider or pediatrician for guidance on what treatment to seek.
Community members seeking a primary care, pediatric, urgent care or other provider can call the AtlantiCare Access Center at 1-888-569-1000.
Trivedi added AtlantiCare continues to urge the community to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for protecting themselves and other against flu. They include ensuring those six months and older get the flu vaccine, washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick.
Year-round AtlantiCare restricts anyone with a fever of 100 or above and any of the following from visiting all areas of the hospital and its ambulatory care sites:
Our patients who have health issues that impact their immunity are more susceptible to flu and other illnesses, Trivedi said. We are taking this precautionary measure to protect them, their families, and our community.
For more information about AtlantiCare visit www.atlanticare.org, call 1-888-569-1000 or find AtlantiCare on Facebook.
