Outer Banks Hospital and all Vidant hospitals to set visitation restrictions due to flu
Due to the high number of people with the flu, starting Thursday, Jan. 9, TOBH and all Vidant hospitals will only welcome visitors who are 12 years of age and older, who are not exhibiting symptoms of a cold or flu, diarrhea, vomiting or headaches.
Please note healthy children under the age of 12 may visit their healthy newborn sibling. Additional exceptions will be made in special circumstances—or with prior approval from the patient’s healthcare team.
To prevent the spread of viruses, health experts recommend:
- Washing hands frequently
- Keeping children home from school when sick
- Not sharing cups or utensils
- Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
As always, family and visitors of any age should not come to the hospital if they have symptoms of a cold or flu, fever, diarrhea, vomiting or headaches.
This precaution will help limit the spread of infections while protecting hospital patients, their loved ones and hospital team members. These limitations are temporary and will be lifted as soon as viral respiratory illnesses decrease in the community.
Additional information on visiting Vidant hospitals during flu season can be found here: www.vidanthealth.com/visitingvidant.
