Visitation restrictions begin at NHRMC due to flu

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — To help prevent the spread of the flu, officials at New Hanover Regional Medical Center announced today that they will start restricting visitors.

The restrictions are for children ages 12 and under and begin immediately; health officials say because children can have the flu and be contagious days before symptoms develop, they are not allowing them into the NHRMC facilities unless they are a patient.

The policy will affect all New Hanover Regional Medical Center inpatient locations, including the main campus on 17th Street, the Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Surgical Pavilion, Rehabilitation Hospital, Behavioral Health Hospital, NHRMC Orthopedic Hospital and Pender Memorial Hospital.

The hospital is also asking adults not to visit if they’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, including a fever with sore throat, coughing, body aches, or headache.

Similar protocols have been put in places in hospitals around the country and also the Cape Fear region.