Roswell Park Cancer Institute has a visitor policy that protects our hospitalized and clinic patients from infectious diseases that are easily transmitted from person to person (such as viral infections). The H1N1 virus has rapidly spread throughout the country, including New York State. Because H1N1 infections have occurred more frequently in children than adults and because people can transmit the virus before developing clinical signs of the flu, Roswell Park has adopted a new policy that restricts children less than 18 years of age from visiting patients in our clinics (including the Amherst Center facility) and inpatient wards. Individual exceptions can be made by the appropriate nurse manager or physician if contacted in advance. These policies may be revised based on the patterns of influenza we see in the community.

In addition to the age restriction of visitors, we continue to ask that visitors NOT come to Roswell Park Cancer Institute if they have an influenza-like illness, which means: A fever greater than or equal to 100 F (37.8 C) with cough and/or sore throat within the last 7 days.

For Roswell Park Patients:
If you develop an influenza-like illness, you should contact your primary medical doctor or Roswell Park physician. If you have a clinic appointment at Roswell Park, please let the clinic staff know in advance if you have flu-like symptoms so they can ensure appropriate precautions are taken.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy and Prevent Transmission of Influenza:
Influenza is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. You should avoid contact with people who have influenza-like symptoms, and wash your hands often with soap and water.

To reduce the chance of transmitting influenza to others:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Visit the CDC web site for more H1N1 information: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm