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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – Prisma Health announced it will temporarily restrict children’s visits to hospitalized patients.
Prisma Health said this is due to increased rates of community influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Prisma Health will restrict anyone 15 and younger from visiting hospitalized patients as of Tuesday, Dec. 30.
“By taking this proactive step, we can help ensure our hospitals remain safe places for our patients to receive high-quality care,” said Jacie Volkman, executive director of Prisma Health’s Department of Infection Prevention. Exceptions may be allowed for circumstances such as the imminent death of a loved one, she added.
Visitors who feel sick should not visit their hospitalized loved ones. Prisma Health recommends that all visitors wear masks to help avoid the spread of respiratory illnesses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been at least 1,900 deaths from the flu so far this season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu. For more information about the flu, visit the S.C. Department of Public Health’s flu resource site.
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