ASHEBORO N.C. – Tomorrow Randolph Health along with most other hospitals in the area will be lifting visitor restrictions in place due to the flu.
According to a press release from Randolph Health, effective 7 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7th, restrictions for visitors twelve and under will be lifted at Randolph Health.
Randolph Health is joining Atrium Health, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Novant Health, Cone Health, and CaroMont Health in lifting the restrictions at the same date and time to prevent confusion among the public and to avoid a patchwork of varying restrictions. The unified response is part of a coordinated plan to better control the spread of flu throughout the region.
Visitors, patients, and staff will still be required to wear masks in medical facilities in accordance with CDC and regulatory guidance.
The hospital says a significant drop in the number of patients being seen with flu-like symptoms prompted the change.
Despite the decline, health care providers ask individuals of all ages who are experiencing flu-like symptoms to help control the spread of the illness by not visiting patients in the hospital. Symptoms include fever, headaches/body aches/pain, cough, or sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
According to Randolph Health, to reduce the odds of getting the flu, health care systems recommend frequent handwashing with soap or use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, not touching eyes, the nose or mouth with hands, and getting an annual flu shot.
Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care. If you have flu symptoms, in most cases you should stay home and avoid contact with other people.
Flu sufferers should rest, drink fluids and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce minor pain or fever. If you are concerned about the severity of your symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
The emergency department should only be used for people who are very sick such as those with difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe vomiting or signs of dehydration