Northwest suburban hospitals tighten visiting rules

Area hospitals are limiting visits by children in response to the outbreak of H1N1 flu.

And all hospitals are asking that no one visit if they are displaying flu-like symptoms.

• Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights is temporarily restricting visitors to 18 years and older.

• Advocate Lutheran General in Park Ridge generally does not allow anyone under the age of 12 except in extenuating circumstances, but has not changed this because of the current outbreak.

• Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village and St. Alexius in Hoffman Estates are not allowing visitors under age 12 due to the threat of H1N1.

• Advocate Good Shepherd in Barrington is limiting visitors to 12 and older and will tighten restrictions for obstetrics and infant care. Also visitors will no longer be allowed to enter the hospital through the Emergency Room.