Temporary flu visit restrictions

Greenville Health System requests that children under the age of 18 refrain from visiting hospitalized patients because of the level of flu and respiratory illnesses now in the Upstate. GHS, which includes the Oconee Memorial Hospital, is also requesting that anyone with signs of the flu, respiratory illness or cold temporarily refrain from visiting hospitalized patients. According to the most recent flu report from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, a total of eight lab confirmed deaths have been reported since September 28. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that between 5 and 20% of U-S residents get the flu, and it is estimated that more than 200 thousand people are hospitalized on average for flu-related complications each year.