By Josh Bergeron

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Novant Health Rowan Medical Center and a number of other hospitals on Monday lifted flu-related visitor restrictions.

Since late February, visitors age 12 and younger were asked to stay out of many hospitals in North Carolina because of the threat of spreading the flu.

Novant Health Rowan in Salisbury and Carolinas HealthCare System NorthEast in Concord were on the list. On Monday, the hospitals that they have seen a significant drop in the number of patients with flu-like symptoms.

People with flu-like symptoms should still refrain from visiting hospital patients, a news release said. Symptoms could include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

“We appreciate the continued support and flexibility of our patients, their families and the community,” said Dr. David Priest, medical director for infection prevention at Novant Health. “The visitor restrictions were necessary to protect our most vulnerable hospitalized patients, but now as we see the number of influenza cases continue to decline, we are happy to welcome back visitors of all ages into our facilities.”

Hospital visitors should properly disinfect their hands by washing with soap and water or using sanitizing gel when entering and leaving the building to prevent the spread of the flu virus, a news release said.

In addition to Novant Health and Carolinas HealthCare System, other hospitals that have lifted visitor restrictions include Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Cone Health, High Point Regional Health System and Randolph Health.

About 170 people across North Carolina have died from the flu during the current season, according to the latest report from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. The latest report shows flu cases spiked to the highest point in late February. A second, smaller spike occurred in March. Since then, flu cases have continued to decline, according to the latest report.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.