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Charles George VA institutes visitor restrictions due to rise in flu


FILE PHOTO: The Charles George VA Medical Hospital. Photo: WLOS
FILE PHOTO: The Charles George VA Medical Hospital. Photo: WLOS
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On Monday, the Charles George VA Medical Center tells News 13 that it has instituted restricted visitation due to widespread influenza activity throughout North Carolina.

Restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

The VA now joins Harris Regional Hospital, Swain Community Hospital, Mission and Haywood Regional in responding to widespread flu.

Visitation should be limited to immediate family or caregivers, with exceptions in critical situations. No children under the age of 12 should come into the hospital or clinics at this time.

We encourage outpatients and visitors to wear a mask if suffering from a respiratory illness.

These restrictions are expected to remain in effect until influenza activity is no longer widespread, which has typically been late spring based on our experience from prior years.

The VA also ssays that now is the perfect time for veterans to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccinations are available at Charles George VA Medical Center and its clinics for enrolled Veterans.

However, if a veteran lives far from a VA hospital or clinic, he or she can get their flu shot from Walgreens. Walgreens has been awarded a contract to provide influenza vaccine to enrolled veterans this flu season.

Only veterans currently enrolled in VA Health Care are eligible for this benefit. Enrolled veterans can bring a VA ID to Walgreens to get a flu shot.

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