Iredell Memorial Responds to Increase in Respiratory Illnesses, Implements Visitor Restrictions

Effective Thursday, Dec. 21, children ages 13 and younger are not permitted to visit patients at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Children under the age limit should only visit the hospital if they are seeking medical attention. Siblings are permitted on The Birth Place only, with no age restrictions, but must wear a mask if they are 13 and younger. Exceptions may be made in special circumstances, such as visiting a family member who is in end-of-life care, but must be arranged with the patient’s care team. Anyone with a cough, cold, fever or sore throat — no matter their age — 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.”