STATESVILLE, NC — In an effort to protect hospital visitors during flu season, Iredell Memorial Hospital is implementing new restrictions beginning Friday, February 8th.
Hospital officials say they have treated dozens of patients with flu-like symptoms this year, and more than 50 positive cases have been reported since the beginning of February.
To better protect patients and visitors, the hospital asks guests not the bring children 17 and younger to visit patients at the hospital. Officials say children 17 and under should only visit if they themselves are seeking medical assistance.
The hospital also asks anyone with a cough, cold, fever or sore throat to refrain from visiting.
“Restrictions like this are necessary to help protect our patients as well as our staff and visitors,” says Pam Gill, Director of Infection Prevention for Iredell Health System. “We also encourage all visitors to use the masks, hand sanitizer and tissues available at public entrances of Iredell Memorial.”
Health officials say it is still not too late to get vaccinated, despite flu season being well underway.
