Navicent Health issues visitation restrictions during flu season

Navicent Health is implementing a youth visitation policy at its facilities, effective Feb. 22, in the midst of flu season.

Beginning Monday, children must be 12 or older in order to visit the Medical Center, Navicent Health; Medical Center of Peach County, Navicent Health; and Rehabilitation Hospital, Navicent Health.

Administrators based the decision to restrict visitation on information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the prevalence of influenza in the region, according to a statement.

"The health of our patients and the community is the highest concern at Navicent Health. Our policies and actions are designed to protect those at greatest risk during the flu season," said Dr. Chris Hendry, chief medical officer for the Medical Center, Navicent Health.

Anyone with symptoms of a cold, or others with immuno-compromised health status, are asked not to visit the hospital.

"We appreciate the community's understanding and cooperation with these efforts to minimize exposure during this active flu season," Hendry said.

The restrictions have been put in place before during the flu season.

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 3:03 PM with the headline "Navicent Health issues visitation restrictions during flu season ."