Last Updated on February 7, 2020 2:11 pm
February 4, 2020 (Boone, NC) – Appalachian Regional Healthcare System is implementing visitor restrictions at Watauga Medical Center in Boone and Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville to help limit the spread of flu.
“Flu
cases have shown a steady increase as we enter the height of flu
season,” said Dr. Danielle Mahaffey, Chief Physician Executive for
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. “The flu virus spreads mainly
person to person through coughing and sneezing. For the health and
safety of our patients, we are asking the community to refrain from
visiting to help protect the patients in our facilities.”
Community members may visit if they:
- Are 18 years or older
- Are healthy and do not have the flu or an influenza-like illness
- Do not live with anyone who has been diagnosed with the flu or influenza-like illness
The medical team at Watauga Medical Center and Cannon Memorial Hospital may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for siblings of newborn babies and families of hospice or end of life patients.
If you or a family member is experiencing any of the symptoms below, please seek emergency medical care.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and worsening cough
- In babies, bluish or gray skin color, lack of responsiveness or extreme irritation
Appalachian
Regional Healthcare System is working diligently with local health
departments to prevent the spread of flu and appreciates any assistance
the public can provide.
For more information about the flu, visit www.flu.gov/ or www.cdc.gov/flu.
