In an effort to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, Blue Ridge Healthcare is placing restrictions on visitors to various facilities.
Blue Ridge Healthcare spokesperson Anna Wilson said starting Thursday, visitors 18-years and younger will not be allowed in Grace and Valdese Hospitals, Blue Heights and College Pines.
Chris Allison, Blue Ridge Healthcare regional director of marketing, said many hospitals in the area have made the same decision as a precautionary measure to protect both patients and visitors.
Wilson said the facilities are affiliated with Carolinas Healthcare System, which will implement the policy on Monday or Tuesday.
Emergency situations will be handled case by case, Wilson said.
Dr. Lee Rodgers, Blue Ridge Healthcare Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs said the hospitals have been observing and watching the H1N1 flu and its effects.
"(Carolinas Healthcare System) decided that for the safety of the patients and for the community, they'd decrease the number of people who are at risk for getting or spreading H1N1 flu by restricting visitations," Rodgers said.
The visitation policy beforehand was fairly open, Rodgers said.
"The issue now is that because of this highly communicable disease it's safer to restrict…that particular group of people," Rodgers said.
Grace Hospital has handled one case of H1N1, Rodgers said. After spending a few days at the facility, the patient was released and is "doing fine."
Rodgers said people should continue to avoid crowded places, exercise good hygiene and good coughing and sneezing control.
Burke County Health Department Director David Rust said the county is still waiting on the H1N1 vaccine.
Rust said the organization expects the vaccine by the end of October, but hopes to receive it beforehand.
There have been three confirmed cases of H1N1 in the county; the first was reported in August.
For the latest information on H1N1 visit www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu.
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