State health officials act to limit spread of flu at hospitals

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Health officials are worried that with so many people traveling for Christmas and New Year's, cases of the flu will skyrocket.

At least 10 states, including South Carolina, are seeing high influenza levels already.

As flu season picks up across the country, hospitals in North Carolina took the next step to prevent the virus from spreading.

Beginning Wednesday, every staff member who hasn't had a flu shot must wear a mask when around patients.

Stephanie Strollo, infectious disease physician for Carolinas Healthcare System, said people need to stay at least 6 feet away from people who are sick with the flu because droplets from a cough can spread the virus.

“We have seen an increase in the number of flu cases,” Strollo said. “So you don't want me coughing on you because if I’m stuck with the flu, and I'm coughing on you, you can get the flu. So, the mask is for your protection.”

State health experts predicted that the influenza-like illness rate, which measures the severity of the spread of the flu, will reach 5 percent this week.

That's what prompted the extra protections at hospitals.

If the rate reaches 7 percent, the state may block children from visiting hospitals.

“Wash your hands frequently,” Strollo said. “If you are sick, stay home. If you are sick, please don't visit loved ones in the hospital.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said South Carolina is experiencing widespread activity of the flu.

This season, there have been 17 deaths in the Carolinas.

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