NC hospitals easing ban on children as flu eases

DURHAM, N.C. -- The slowing spread of H1N1 flu has prompted more North Carolina hospitals to ease their ban on children visiting patient rooms. Multiple media reported Wednesday that children are again allowed to visit patients at Duke University Medical Center and the hospitals it operates in Durham and Raleigh. Rex Healthcare and WakeMed campuses in Wake County also are returning to normal. Moses Cone Health System in Greensboro last week dropped its ban on visitors younger than 18 from entering its hospitals. Hospital officials say visiting children could be banned again if the flu returns in February and March. Other hospitals are keeping the ban in place, including UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and Carolinas HealthCare System facilities in the Charlotte area. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)