NHRMC restricts visits from those with flu-like symptoms, children

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – New Hanover Regional Medical Center is restricting those with flu-like symptoms from visiting patients.

In addition, NHRMC is asking New Hanover residents to avoid taking children to any NHRMC hospital facility unless it’s for the child’s treatment.

“The risk of spreading flu among children is high,” said Paul Kamitsuka, M.D., Chief Epidemiologist at NHRMC. “Often, children can be contagious before flu symptoms appear.  By restricting children during this heightened time, we can help protect them and prevent the spread of flu among vulnerable patients.”

Children who do come to a NHRMC hospital for care will be asked to wear a mask.  Masks will also be given to those with flu-like symptoms.

With an increase in flu cases being reported in the region, NHRMC hopes that these steps will help limit its spread within its hospital facilities and the community.

“We know visits are important to families, but safety needs to be the top concern,” said Dr. Kamitsuka. “We appreciate the community’s support in protecting our patients and children.”

The care teams at NHRMC suggest that those with flu-like symptoms consider calling, using FaceTime or Skype, or sending notes or cards to friends and family members who are in the hospital.