Rising flu rates across South Carolina prompt Prisma Health to temporarily restrict children from visiting hospitalized patients

GREENVILLE – Because of increased rates of community influenza and other respiratory illnesses, Prisma Health will restrict anyone age 15 and younger from visiting hospitalized patients in its South Carolina hospitals as of Tuesday, Nov. 10. The temporary visitor restriction is needed to help protect patients and team members during this time of higher-than-normal flu infection rates.

The temporary restriction is a proactive step to help ensure hospitals remain safe places for patients to receive high-quality care. Exceptions may be allowed in certain circumstances, such as the imminent death of a loved one.

Prisma Health recognizes the important role visitors can play in a patient’s recovery and remains committed to a patient-centered approach to care. Normal visitation guidelines will resume once illness levels in the community subside. Prisma Health routinely adjusts visitation guidelines during periods of higher flu activity.

Visitors who feel sick should not visit their hospitalized loved ones. It’s recommended that all visitors wear masks to help avoid the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Seasonal flu activity is increasing in many areas of the country, including South Carolina.

Vaccination to prevent flu is particularly important for people who are at increased risk of complications from flu, including young children, adults aged 50 years and older, pregnant women and people with certain chronic medical conditions.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu. For more information on flu, visit the S.C. Department of Public Health’s flu resource site.

Quick diagnosis and medical care – whether through in-person or virtual visits – may reduce the length and severity of illness as well as reduce the risk of exposure for other people. For more information about Prisma’s urgent care network, open seven days a week 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., visit www.prismahealthurgentcare.org.