CHARLOTTE, NC — North Carolina health officials are citing a growing number of flu related cases across the state, so local hospitals are implementing visitor restrictions to help better protect visitors and patients.
Major hospitals across the Charlotte area, including Atrium Health, Novant Health, CaroMont Regional Medical Center, Iredell Memorial and Piedmont Medical Center will begin implementing the following restrictions on Friday, February 8th.
Atrium, Novant and Piedmont will restrict visitation for anyone 12 and under. CaroMont will restrict visitation for anyone 13 and under, and Iredell Memorial is restricting any visitor 17 and under.
All hospitals ask that anyone experiencing symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, and anyone with a compromised immune system to refrain from visiting. If visitation is absolutely necessary and you are experiencing symptoms, officials say you will be required to wear a face mask.
These restrictions DO NOT apply to anyone seeking medical assistance.
To help prevent the spread of germs, health officials say anyone visiting these facilities should wash their hands with soap and water or sanitizing gel both before and after their visit.
Health officials say most people with the flu have a mild illness and do not need medical care. In most cases, those patients are advised to stay home, avoid contact with other people, rest, drink fluids and take over the counter medicines as directed to alleviate minor pains and fever.
Anyone concerned about the severity of their symptoms, or if their condition worsens is advised to seek professional medical assistance.
