Flu season visitor restrictions in effect at YRMC

Non-patients 15 & under not allowed

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Flu season is in full swing.

In the spirit of protecting the patients and the community from spreading the flu, Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is implementing visitor restrictions starting Thursday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates over 1,800 people across the country have died from the flu since October 2019.

In Arizona, the health department reports about 700 people on average die from the virus each year.

The age group most affected by the contagious virus is 5 to 18-year-olds.

Often times they dont know they have the flu and easily spread germs.

That's why YRMC is playing it safe by restricting any non-patients ages 15 and under from visiting the hospital.

YRMC's manager of infection prevention, Mika Naranjo said, “We follow trends week by week. And we also follow statewide trends to kind of see what the flu is doing. Once we see that it is no longer a threat, we will go ahead and pull the restrictions."

The restriction typically lasts until early spring.

Visitation will only be allowed on a case by case basis.

In addition, all entrances will now have masks and hand sanitizing stations.

Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle or body aches, and fatigue.

If you or your children are feeling ill and suspect it may be the flu, YRMC recommends visiting your primary care provider or a clinic before coming into the emergency room.