Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, Prisma Health visitor restrictions [Video]

Two Greenville-area hospital systems will begin restricting patient visitations due to increased flu and respiratory illnesses.Prisma Health statement: “Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 15, Prisma Health will restrict children under age 16 from visiting hospitalized patients due to increased levels of influenza and other respiratory illnesses in the community.’By taking this proactive best-practice step, we can ensure our hospitals remain safe places for our patients to receive high-quality care,’ said Jacie Volkman, executive director of Prisma’s Department of Infection Prevention. She said exceptions may be made to the visitation restriction by the attending physician and local leadership.”Seasonal influenza activity continues to increase and is elevated across most of the country, said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC said there have been at least 5.3 million flu illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths so far this season — including at least 11 children.”South Carolina is also reporting widespread activity, …