WakeMed Limits Hospital Visitors As Respiratory Illness Season Begins

RALEIGH – WakeMed Health & Hospitals will begin its annual visitation restrictions on Monday, December 22, as respiratory illness season ramps up across the region.

Hospital officials say the restrictions are designed to help prevent the spread of viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza, which can pose serious risks to vulnerable patients.

While respiratory illnesses are typically manageable for most people, WakeMed officials note they can cause severe illness or even be life-threatening for premature infants, newborns, young children, pregnant women and individuals who are immunocompromised.

“Our number one priority is the health and safety of our patients and staff,” WakeMed said in a statement.

Under the updated policy, children younger than 12 will not be allowed to visit patients in WakeMed hospital nursing units, patient care areas or waiting rooms. The restriction also applies to WakeMed Healthplex emergency departments and the WakeMed Mental Health & Well-Being Hospital – WakeBrook.

WakeMed officials said similar visitation restrictions will also go into effect at Duke Health and UNC Health facilities.

Hospital leaders acknowledged the policy can be difficult for families but said limiting visitation during peak respiratory virus season is considered best clinical practice to reduce the spread of illness within healthcare settings.

WakeMed also reminds the public that anyone experiencing symptoms of an acute or contagious illness should avoid visiting hospital facilities out of consideration for patients and staff.