Due to the early outbreak of the flu, the Regional Medical Center has restricted visitation to the hospital by children 12 and under throughout the hospital.

“The flu season has started early and we have seen a relatively large number of cases in this area already this year,” said RMC Infectious Disease Specialist John Samies, MD. “For the safety of small children and to reduce the spread of flu germs, all children who are 12 and under are not allowed as visitors in the hospital at this time.”

Dr. Samies added, “If you are older than 12, and you have cold or flu-like symptoms, please do not visit the hospital until you are better.”

RMC Pediatric Hospitalist Charles Kilgore, MD, said, “Newborns do not fight infections well and children are often contagious for several days before they have symptoms. To reduce the possibility of our newborns being exposed to flu, we are asking that young children not visit Her Place until after flu season is over. This policy is consistent with hospitals in areas where there is a high volume of flu cases.”

“This is something that we are taking very seriously,” said Dr. Samies, “The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has reported that there have been five deaths in South Carolina so far this flu season. We hope that individuals understand that this policy is needed to protect our patients.”

__________________________________________________

About the Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg & Calhoun Counties (RMC)
The Regional Medical Center, in Orangeburg, S.C., is a 286-bed acute-care facility, employing more than 1,200 healthcare professionals. Serving Orangeburg and Calhoun counties and surrounding areas, RMC is accredited by The Joint Commission and offers a 24-hour emergency department and a full-range of high-quality medical services such as same day surgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics, cardiology, cancer care, dialysis access and the latest in diagnostic imaging including digital mammography for early detection of breast cancer.