Visitor Flu Restriction Changes at Caldwell UNC Health Care

LENOIR, NC (April 25, 2017)…Monday, November 14, 2016 began a period of visitor restrictions at UNC Health Care facilities across the North Carolina. Due to a rapidly growing number of influenza cases reported across the state, children age 11 years old and younger were not permitted in the waiting areas of the NCCC, PICU, and BMTU, or on those units unless an exception was granted due to extreme circumstances. These restrictions included Caldwell UNC Health Care in Lenoir.

According to Susan Nichols, Susan Nichols, RN | Infection Preventionist Risk with Caldwell UNC Health Care, it appears the influenza season may be diminishing. “Although the NC Weekly Influenza Surveillance Summary for Week 15: Ending April 15, 2017, reports still shows “widespread”, Caldwell has seen a decrease in the number of positive flu cases. I feel that our patients, visitors and staff are no longer at an elevated risk for transmission of the flu and that we should temporarily lift the Visitor Flu Restriction and requirement of wearing masks for those unvaccinated for influenza. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the flu activity in our area and reinstate the restrictions if needed.”