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Area hospitals lift flu visitors’ restrictions

UPSTATE — Hospitals in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Laurens counties lift temporary flu visitation restrictions

Hospitals in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Laurens counties announced last week that they have lifted the temporary request that children refrain from visiting hospitalized patients.

Hospitals include AnMed Health, Baptist Easley, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, Cannon Memorial Hospital and Greenville Health System, which includes Laurens County Memorial Hospital.

The hospitals issued the request in January as a precaution against the spread of flu and respiratory viruses, which were at high levels in parts of the Upstate throughout the winter.

“We know it’s been difficult for families, but we very much appreciate their help and patience,” said Melissa Overman, D.O. and medical director for the Upstate region for the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

According to DHEC, a total of 76 deaths related to the flu occurred statewide since Sept. 29, 2013. During this time, 1,790 influenza-related hospitalizations were reported, with as many as 234 being reported in a single week. As of last week, only 13 influenza- related hospitalizations were reported statewide.