As a response to the escalating flu infections, numerous area hospitals, including the Hugh Chatham Health (HCH), have enforced stricter visitor regulations. HCH is advocating mask use for all visitors and prohibiting those exhibiting cold and flu indications. A representative on behalf of HCH from Atrium Health stated, “Starting Wednesday, Dec. 10, we have temporarily obligated visitors to wear masks during interactions with patients or in shared spaces such as patient rooms, waiting rooms, rehabilitation gyms, and other designated areas. Masks can be obtained at all location entrances. To inhibit infection spread, individuals with respiratory symptoms that are not patients are discouraged from visiting health care sites.”
The newly formulated policy further indicates, “Children aged 12 and below should refrain from visiting high-risk locations including hospitals and rehabilitation centers, with the exception of healthy siblings visiting newborns in Mother and Baby or Labor & Delivery units. Here, children under 12 must remain under caregiver supervision and are restricted from other patient care areas.”
Northern Regional Hospital also joins a growing number of institutions across the region and state implementing visitor constraints and guidelines to combat the significantly virulent influenza strain affecting the public. Vanessa Vaught, manager of Infection Prevention at Northern Regional Hospital reported a staggering 311% spike in flu cases last week from the preceding week in the emergency department.
While Northern’s restrictions may not be as stringent as some institutions, it includes guidelines such as advising children aged 12 and below to remain at home, postponing visits for individuals displaying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a cough, a sore throat, and fever of 100 degrees or more, and requiring symptom-free visitors for at least 24 hours. In addition, visitors exhibiting active coughs but no other symptoms are encouraged to use masks. The hospital is taking steps to promote the use of masks, which are not mandatory for entry.
Novant Health, another regionally renowned institution, imposes similar or more rigorous restrictions. Novant appeals to anyone under 13 not to visit its hospitals unless under “special circumstances” or when in need of treatment. Although mask usage is optional, those exhibiting any symptoms and seeking treatment will be urged to wear a mask.
Northern Regional’s Vaught further encourages those who haven’t yet received a flu vaccine. She emphasized, “Obtaining the vaccine now can still decrease your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications. Flu shots are obtainable at multiple Northern Medical Group locations.” Simultaneously, the state experienced its first pediatric flu-related death for the 2025-26 season according to state health officials, emphasizing the severe and potentially fatal impacts of influenza. Therefore, regular hygiene practices, adequate sleep, hydration, balanced nutrition, avoiding close contact with sick people, improving indoor ventilation, cleaning high-touch surfaces, and mask use in crowded indoor situations are fundamental in mitigating flu contraction.