ASHEVILLE, NC – January 23, 2025 – According to a Mission Hospital press release on January 23rd, the health care system has begun temporary visitor restrictions because of an increase in influenza-like illness in the state and western North Carolina. The restriction will remain in place until the flu activity decreases.
The flu is a very contagious respiratory disease that is caused by the influenza virus. The illness can be mild to severe and sometimes lead to death. Infected people can have a runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, muscle aches, headaches and tiredness. Although, they may not have all these symptoms. Children or adults with severe symptoms should seek medical attention right away.
According to the CDC’s last weekly report ending on January 11th, flu levels were high in North Carolina. There have been 36 deaths related to the flu in North Carolina in January according to the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
To reduce the spread of the flu, all Mission Health hospitals and clinics in western North Carolina will only allow 2 visitors per patient and children under 13 will not be allowed to visit.
Mission Health and the CDC have encouraged everyone to be vaccinated for the flu this year including children 6 months of age and older. They recommend that people stay home if they are sick with symptoms of the flu and that they should frequently wash or sanitize their hands. Mission Health has many hand-sanitizing stations throughout their facilities.
Listen to the full report below:
Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]
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