Prisma Health is temporarily restricting children under the age of 16 from visiting hospitalized patients in South Carolina as flu rates and cases of other respiratory illnesses rise.
The new requirements take effect Tuesday.
“By taking this proactive step, we can help 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.
Exceptions may be allowed for circumstances such as the imminent death of a loved one, she added.
Hospital officials also recommend that all visitors wear masks to help avoid the spread of respiratory illness and urges anyone who feels sick to stay at home.
Seasonal flu activity is increasing in most areas of the country, including South Carolina and Tennessee, where the same restrictions are also in place.
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that there have been at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths from flu so far this season.
It is recommended that everyone six months and older get vaccinated against he flu—especially young children, adults 50 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions and weakened immune systems.
For additional information, visit the South Carolina Department of Public Health's dedicated flu resource page.