Local Hospitals Restrict Visitors During Flu Epidemic

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CHARLOTTE, NC — Nine people in North Carolina died from the flu during Christmas week, bringing the death toll for this season to 17.  Now hospitals across the Charlotte area are asking some visitors to stay home in an effort to combat the virus.  

Novant Health and Carolinas Healthcare System instituted visitor restrictions Friday for those under 18 years old.  At Caromont Health, the age restriction is for kids under 13.  Those rules do not apply to anyone who needs medical treatment, and they will make exceptions under “significant circumstances”.  Novant did this during the H1N1 epidemic in 2009 as well.

“We brought it back because of the high amount of flu that’s above and beyond,” said Novant Health Vice President of Medical Affairs Sid Fletcher.  “And, as I mentioned, the vaccine is not as effective this year against the most prevalent strain that we’re seeing, which is why we have been hit hard.  And we want to make sure we protect patients and families that come to Novant Health.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared a national flu epidemic earlier this week.