Frequently Asked Questions
Why are children and teens prohibited from visiting?
Children and teens are more likely to contract the H1N1 virus and expose patients while visiting. While we want to protect visitors from exposure to influenza, our first priority is to protect patients from exposure.
What is different about this year's Influenza Season?
The threat of a "flu surge" is greater this season due to the ease with which H1N1 is spread. Younger people are more susceptible, which makes prevention a challenge. For this reason, Torrance Memorial, along with most hospitals, is restricting young people from visiting patients in the medical center.
May I bring my sick child or teen to the Emergency Department for care?
YES! This Influenza Season Visitors Policy affects only VISITORS to the hospital, not patients.
How will the policy be enforced?
When visitors arrive to the medical center they will be screened for flu-like symptoms and asked to confirm their age. Visitors may be required to show identification. After screening for illness those who are allowed to visit patients will be given a badge.
Will there be exceptions to this policy?
Exceptions will be made in extreme cases such as visiting a dying family member, or the extended stay of a mother-to-be. These decisions will be made by the hospital's House Supervisor on a case-by-case basis.
What if my child has received the H1N1 vaccine?
We still must restrict visitation to ensure that the policy can be enforced in a uniform way to ensure patient safety. Unfortunately, the hospital is unable to monitor and verify whether vaccines were provided and how they were administered. Our first priority is to maintain a safe environment. Nationally, most hospitals have adopted or are expected to adopt a similar policy in order to reduce the threat of further spreading flu viruses.
How long will this restricted visitor policy be in place?
This temporary policy will be in effect until the end of influenza season, which typically lasts until March. However, H1N1 cases have been detected in traditionally non-flu seasons so the policy will be continually evaluated.
Does Torrance Memorial have any extra H1N1 vaccines?
Unfortunately not. Like health providers across the country, we received a limited supply of vaccine, which we have prioritized to administer to staff in direct patient care areas. We have not been given, nor promised, any additional vaccine for the community. The federal and state governments are making decisions on the distribution of future vaccine.