Flu cases decrease, NHRMC lifts visitation restrictions

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As the number of flu cases drop, New Hanover Regional Medical Center has lifted restrictions on children visiting the hospital.

NHRMC implemented the restrictions in December to limit the spread of flu within hospital facilities and the community. The hospital asked community members to refrain from taking children age 12 and under to any NHRMC hospital facility unless it was for the child’s treatment.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said Thursday that North Carolina saw 8 new flu deaths last week, bringing the total to 328 for the season.

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness, spread by a virus. Young children and the elderly are at greatest risk from flu and its complications.