Prisma Health Temporarily Restricts Child Visitors as Flu and Respiratory Illnesses Rise Across South Carolina

As flu and other respiratory illnesses continue to increase across South Carolina, Prisma Health has announced temporary visitor restrictions at its hospitals to help protect patients and healthcare teams during the peak winter illness season.

Beginning Tuesday, December 30, Prisma Health will restrict visitors age 15 and younger from visiting hospitalized patients at its South Carolina facilities. The temporary policy is being implemented in response to higher-than-normal flu activity statewide, along with continued concerns related to the spread of other respiratory illnesses, including measles in the Upstate.

Prisma Health officials say the decision is a proactive step to reduce the risk of infection for vulnerable patients while ensuring hospitals remain safe environments for care.

“By taking this proactive step, we can help ensure our hospitals remain safe places for patients to receive high-quality care,” said Jacie Volkman, executive director of Prisma Health’s Department of Infection Prevention. She added that limited exceptions may be considered in special circumstances, such as the imminent death of a loved one.

While Prisma Health emphasizes its patient-centered approach and the important role visitors play in recovery, hospital leaders note that visitation guidelines are routinely adjusted during periods of increased flu transmission. Normal visitation policies are expected to resume once illness levels in the community subside.

Health officials continue to urge anyone who is feeling unwell to avoid visiting hospitalized patients. Masking is strongly recommended for all visitors to help limit the spread of respiratory illnesses.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seasonal flu activity is increasing nationwide, including in South Carolina. The CDC estimates the current flu season has already resulted in at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths across the United States.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious flu-related complications. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older receive an annual flu vaccine, particularly individuals at higher risk, including young children, adults age 50 and older, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions.

In addition to flu concerns, South Carolina continues to experience a measles outbreak. As a precaution, Prisma Health is asking patients visiting emergency departments in the state to wear a mask until they can be evaluated by a nurse.

Prisma Health officials also encourage individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms to seek timely medical care, whether through in-person or virtual visits, which may help reduce the severity of illness and limit exposure to others.

For more information about flu activity and prevention, residents are encouraged to visit the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Information about Prisma Health’s urgent care locations, which are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., is available through the health system.