Important announcement regarding Newton Memorial Hospital's visitation policy.

Newton Memorial Hospital appreciates and understands our patients concerns about H1N1 influenza, but we want to stress that for most people H1N1 is no more dangerous than any other form of flu.

Newton Memorial is working closely with the state Department of Health and Senior Services, the Sussex County Department of Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to remain current about the H1N1 flu outbreak and to share information with the community regarding flu activity.

To hear from Newton Memorial Hospitals Infectious Disease Consultant, Donald Allegra, M.D., please click on the video located on the right side of the page. Please give the video a minute to upload.

To reduce the spread of flu, the CDC recommends that the general public continue to follow the same measures that are effective in reducing the risk of spreading any infectious disease:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Dispose of used tissues properly.
• Stay home if you are sick.

To help answer your questions about H1N1 flu, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) has established a toll-free H1N1 influenza line. The hotline number is 1-866-321-9571. The hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vaccines for the seasonal flu are available through your doctor, at area flu shot clinics and at Newton Memorial Hospital. For inquiries about the vaccine for the H1N1 virus, please visit the Sussex County Web site at www.sussex.nj.us.

If you are concerned about your possible exposure to H1N1 flu or are experiencing mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, chills, fatigue, and headache, please do not come to the emergency room without first calling your primary care physician.

Please be advised that most people with flu-like symptoms will be not be candidates for testing for H1N1 flu. In addition, anti-viral medications and the vaccine will only be given to those who meet CDC and state Health Department guidelines.

Please see the links below for more information on H1N1 flu. We will post updated information to this site as we receive it