ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Starting on Wednesday, Dec. 31, Mission Health hospitals and affiliates will temporarily limit visitation due to a high rate of influenza in western North Carolina, Mission Health announced in a Dec. 30 press release.
According to the press release, the limit is two visitors per patient and only those ages 13 and older can visit.
The following locations are implementing the visitation restriction:
Mission Hospital in AshevilleCarePartners in AshevilleMission Hospital McDowell in MarionTransylvania Regional Hospital in BrevardBlue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce PineAngel Medical Center in FranklinHighlands-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands
VISITOR RESTRICTIONS IMPLEMENTED BY ADVENTHEALTH DUE TO RISE IN RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES
Visitor restrictions will remain until reported flu-like activity lessens, according to the press release.
Mission Health urges people to get the flu vaccine.
Mission Health also urges people with flu symptoms to stay home and practice etiquette like covering a cough or sneeze and handwashing. If symptoms worsen, please seek medical care.
FILE IMAGE – Exterior of Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
The hospital group also offers a free Consult-A-Nurse line at (844) 706-8773 if you need advice on whether or not to visit the ER, urgent care or walk-in clinic like Mission My Care Now. The Consult-A-Nurse line helps with understanding symptoms and learn about treatment options.
Mission Health cites the North Carolina Public Health Division, stating that flu-like illness activity in the state has reached more that 6% and local transmission has risen.
PARDEE HOSPITAL IMPLEMENTS VISITOR RESTRICTIONS CITING RISE IN RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES
The press release notes that exceptions to the visitor restriction will be considered for cases like end-of-life or pediatric patients.
Mission Health isn’t the only healthcare system restricting visitation.
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On Monday, Dec. 29, AdventHealth also issued visitor restrictions. Then, UNC Health Pardee implemented visitation restrictions starting on Tuesday, Dec. 30.