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