DURHAM, N.C. -- Due to an increase in the number of cases of influenza in the Triangle, as well as the number of complicated hospitalizations, all Duke University Health System hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers will temporarily restrict patient visitations, effective at noon on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017.

Visitors to hospital and ambulatory surgery patients will be limited to no more than two adults aged 18 and older at one time. Visitors should have no fever, cough or other flu-like symptoms.

The restrictions are part of a multi-step approach to protect patients and prevent the spread of influenza at Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional and Duke Raleigh Hospitals, as well as the Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center and the James E. Davis Ambulatory Surgical Center.

Temporary initiatives include:

• Patients may receive no more than two adult visitors at one time. 

• Children under 18 are not permitted to visit hospitals or wards without prior approval from health care providers and for special circumstances. 

• Visitors are urged to perform hand washing frequently, including when entering and leaving the building. Hand hygiene stations are available throughout the buildings, and are effective against influenza virus. 

• Visitors with fever, cough or other flu-like symptoms should remain home.

Restrictions are temporary and will be reviewed as the state’s influenza outbreak abates.

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