Special to Iredell Free News

Iredell Health System has lifted its flu restrictions effective Wednesday, March 27.

The Health System implemented the restrictions on December 21, asking guests not to bring children under the age of 13 to visit patients in the hospital. At that time, respiratory illnesses – including the flu, COVID and RSV – were widespread and the restrictions were implemented to help protect patients, visitors and staff from the contagious viruses.

Despite the lift on restrictions, the Health System continues to encourage guests who are ill to refrain from visiting unless they are seeking treatment.

Pam Gill, director of Infection Prevention for Iredell Health System, emphasized the Health System’s overarching view on health and wellness.

“Staying in good health helps you fight anything,” she said. “We promote wellness, both for our patients and our staff. Any time you can stay healthy, exercise, and eat right, you’re less likely to get a disease. And if you do get something, the duration is shorter, the symptoms are less severe, and your body is able to fight it off better.”