ASHEVILLE – Mission Health is enacting temporary visitor restrictions due to an increase in influenza-like illness across the state and locally.
The last influenza map released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control on Jan. 11 shows North Carolina had “high” flu activity. There have been 36 influenza-associated deaths in North Carolina since the beginning of the year, and 50 since October, according to data from N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
“There has been an increase in reported influenza-like illnesses throughout North Carolina,” a news release from Mission Health said Jan. 23. “According to the North Carolina Public Health Division, the influenza-like illness activity in the state has reached more than six percent, and local transmission has increased.”
More data from NC DHHS shows that influenza-like illnesses have increased by over 4% within the WNC region since Dec. 17.
To help reduce the spread of respiratory illness, Mission Health hospitals and affiliates in Western North Carolina will now only allow two visitors per patient in each facility and children under 13 are asked not to visit, according to a Jan. 23 news release. The restriction will be in place until there is a decrease in reported flu-like activity.
Exceptions to the new restriction “will be considered as necessary,” per the release. The precaution will be implemented at all Mission Health hospitals and clinics, including Mission Hospital in Asheville, CarePartners in Asheville, Mission Hospital McDowell in Marion, Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, Angel Medical Center in Franklin and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands.
“We understand these restrictions may pose a hardship for some, but our utmost concern is for the health and safety of all our patients and our entire community, and we implement restrictions only when absolutely necessary,” the release said.
“Hand sanitizing stations are available at our hospital entrances and throughout the buildings. People who have not yet received the influenza vaccine are urged to do so immediately and to ensure their children have been vaccinated.”
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From the CDC: What to know about the flu
The CDC recommends flu vaccination every year for everyone 6 months and older to prevent infection and to make the illness milder for those who catch it. Locations for flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be found online at www.vaccines.gov.
Certain groups are at higher risk for serious illness from flu, including children younger than 5, pregnant women, people over 65 and those with certain chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, according to the CDC.
Additionally, the CDC recommends vaccines for RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, for infants and toddlers and for those over the age of 60. More information on RSV vaccines and prevention can be found at cdc.gov/rsv/about/prevention.html.
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Flu symptoms to watch
These include:
- Fever
- Cough and/or sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headaches and/or body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, which are most common among children
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This story will be updated.
Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober
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