North Carolina hospital restricts visitors due to flu

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — A North Carolina hospital is implementing visitor restrictions in response to the flu season.

WLOS in Asheville reports that beginning Tuesday, Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville will place the restrictions in effect. One rule says children under 12 should not visit the hospital because they are more susceptible to infections and can be ill without obvious symptoms.

[ALSO READ: Doctors at Atrium Health already treating flu patients this season]

Adults are being told not to visit loved ones in the hospital if they feel ill or have any flu symptoms. Officials say anyone with flu symptoms should wear a mask if they must visit the hospital or a doctor's office.

While hospital officials say they haven't seen many flu cases so far, they expect an increase during and after the holidays.

[ALSO READ: Lowcountry victim first to die from flu this season in South Carolina]

State health officials say there have been five flu-related deaths this season.

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Associated Press