News

As the flu continues to spread in North Carolina, Iredell Memorial Hospital is responding to the challenge of treating those with serious symptoms, while protecting other patients from the virus.

Iredell Memorial Hospital has treated dozens of patients with flu-like symptoms since December. More than 100 positive flu cases have already been reported at the hospital during that time.

Effective Friday, Jan. 10, Iredell Health System is asking guests not to bring children under the age of 18 to visit patients in the hospital. Children under the age limit should only visit the hospital if they are seeking medical attention themselves. Anyone with a cough, cold, fever or sore throat is asked to refrain from visiting hospital patients as well.

“Restrictions like this are necessary to help protect our patients as well as our staff and visitors,” said Pam Gill, Director of Infection Prevention for Iredell Health System. “We also encourage all visitors to use the masks, hand sanitizer and tissues available at public entrances of Iredell Memorial.”

Even though the flu season is well underway, it’s still not too late to get vaccinated.

“For whatever reason, too many people choose not to get the flu shot,” said Gill. “They may be afraid it may make them sick or heard of someone who had a bad experience. Yet, the evidence shows that the flu shot is the best tool we have to slow and prevent the spread of the virus.”