Prisma Health will restrict patient visitation from children under age 16 due to increased flu and respiratory illnesses

GREENVILLE — Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 15, Prisma Health will restrict children under age 16 from visiting hospitalized patients because of increased levels of influenza and other respiratory illnesses in the community.

“By taking this proactive best-practice step, we can ensure our hospitals remain safe places for our patients to receive high-quality care,” said Jacie Volkman, executive director of Prisma’s Department of Infection Prevention.

She said exceptions may be made to the visitation restriction by the attending physician and local leadership.

Seasonal influenza activity continues to increase and is elevated across most of the country, said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC said there have been at least 5.3 million flu illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations and 2,700 deaths so far this season — including at least 11 children.

South Carolina is also reporting widespread activity, including three flu-related deaths reported, according to the S.C. Department of Public Health.

Other respiratory illnesses have also been on the increase, including COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Hospital officials also asked that community members not visit patients if they have a fever, have tested positive for any respiratory illness or are suspected of having one. It’s recommended that all visitors wear masks to help avoid the spread of respiratory illnesses.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination. Vaccination is especially important for those at risk for developing severe complications.

People at higher risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.

To help stop the spread of illness during flu and cold season, the CDC also recommends the following:

• Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put tissue in the trash after using it, then perform hand hygiene such as washing your hands.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

If you become sick with flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat your illness. They help make flu illness milder, shorten the length of time you’re sick and may also prevent serious flu complications, the CDC said.