Flu Information for Expecting Patients

As you anticipate the birth of your child and prepare for your upcoming hospital stay at Mercy, we'd like to make you aware of some of the measures we're taking at area hospitals to keep you and your newborn as safe as possible during this flu season.  Since pregnant women and newborns are among the high priority populations for risks associated with the flu, keeping you both healthy is our top priority.

As a precaution, both Mercy Medical Center and St. Luke's Hospital are advising that the number of visitors be limited to two at a time during your upcoming hospital stay. Since influenza and H1N1 is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people, keeping the number of visitors down is one simple way to protect you and your baby.  Please ask friends and family members not to visit if they have any of the following symptoms: fever, aching muscles, cough, headache, joint aches, eye pain, chills, sore throat or stuffy nose.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we take measures to protect you and your family.