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JOHNSON CITY – Due to increasing spread of infectious disease across the region, Ballad Health has increased visitation restrictions at all hospitals, effective immediately. Hospitals are requesting the following people to refrain from visiting patients at this time:

• Anyone who has flu-like symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, fever, chills, runny nose, body aches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Anyone younger than 18
• Any groups of more than two adults per patient

Visitation exceptions will be made for end-of-life patients as well as patients in family birth or Niswonger Children’s Hospital.

The dominant strain in the region is Influenza A and continues spreading rapidly throughout the region. Ballad Health reported 1,416 cases of flu the week of December 22, for an average of 202 cases per day. The health system reported almost 600 cases in two days this week, showing a marked increase in flu transmission following holiday gatherings. Flu cases are expected to continue increasing.

Like all respiratory illnesses, flu is spread by tiny droplets that are released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Wearing a mask is an effective method of reducing the spread of respiratory illness, including flu, and is highly encouraged for visitors in Ballad Health facilities. Additionally, frequent hand washing and practicing respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs and sneezes, help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like the flu.

Flu can be spread for a full day before a person starts showing symptoms, so Ballad Health encourages community members to call the hospital to check on a patient’s condition rather than visit in person.

The health system has also noted an increase in norovirus cases, mirroring a trend seen nationwide. Norovirus can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting, and the resulting dehydration can lead to hospitalization for some people.

While norovirus is not transmitted the same way as respiratory illnesses, it is still highly contagious. Frequent and proper hand washing with soap and water is the best way to prevent norovirus infection, as is restraining from sharing food or utensils with other people. As norovirus can be transmitted through infected surfaces, frequently disinfecting areas that could be contaminated is also advised.

While most people who contract influenza or norovirus will recover without medical intervention, both illnesses can be severe and even deadly for certain groups of people, including adults older than 65, children younger than 6 and those with certain medical conditions.

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone older than 6 months, especially pregnant women, adults older than 65 and anyone with a weakened immune system. Ballad Health also offers flu tests at all its urgent care and retail pharmacy locations, or patients can ask their primary care practitioner for a flu test.

For more about Ballad Health’s Urgent Care services, including virtual appointments, visit https://www.balladhealth.org/medical-services/urgent-care.