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Mission Health Tightens Visitor Rules Due to RSV and Flu Surge

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. tens-visitor-rules-due-to-rsv-and-flu-surge.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 6:13 GMT by WYFF
      Locales: North Carolina, UNITED STATES

Asheville, N.C. - February 26th, 2026 - Mission Health announced today that it is strengthening visitor restrictions across all its facilities in Western North Carolina, citing a significant surge in both influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases. The updated policies, effective immediately, are designed to safeguard vulnerable patients and dedicated healthcare staff during what health officials are describing as a particularly aggressive respiratory illness season.

While the initial restrictions, put in place earlier this month, focused solely on influenza, the growing prevalence of RSV - especially among infants and the elderly - has prompted Mission Health to expand the preventative measures. This builds on similar measures enacted by healthcare systems across the state, and nationally, indicating a broader trend of increased respiratory illness.

Revised Visitor Restrictions by Facility Type:

• Hospitals (Mission Hospital Asheville, Mission Hospital McDowell, and surrounding acute care facilities): A maximum of two visitors per patient, aged 16 and older. Visitors are expected to remain in the patient's room as much as possible to minimize potential exposure to other patients.
• Outpatient Practices (including primary care, specialty clinics, and rehabilitation services): One visitor per patient, with exceptions made for pediatric patients or patients requiring assistance.
• Senior Living Communities (Asheville Manor, and affiliated assisted living facilities): Policies remain individually tailored based on community-specific risk assessments, but all facilities are operating under heightened hygiene protocols and strongly recommending limited visitation.

"We are experiencing a concerning increase in both influenza and RSV cases within our community," stated Dr. Emily Carter, Chief Medical Officer for Mission Health. "Our priority is always the safety of our patients and team members. While we recognize the important role families play in the recovery process, we must balance that with the need to prevent the spread of these viruses, particularly as we head into what is traditionally the peak of flu season. RSV, while often mild, can be incredibly serious for infants and seniors."

Expanded Precautions & Recommendations

Mission Health is not only limiting visitor numbers but also reinforcing several key preventative measures. These include:

• Mandatory Masking: All visitors and individuals entering Mission Health facilities are required to wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask (N95, KN95, or surgical mask). Cloth masks are no longer permitted due to their lower filtration efficiency.
• Symptom Screening: Visitors experiencing any flu-like or cold-like symptoms - including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or runny nose - are strictly prohibited from visiting.
• Vaccination Encouragement: Mission Health strongly urges all eligible individuals to receive the annual influenza vaccine and the newly recommended RSV vaccine, particularly those who interact with vulnerable populations.
• Hand Hygiene: Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water or the use of hand sanitizer is mandatory for all individuals within Mission Health facilities.
• Virtual Visitation: Mission Health is actively promoting virtual visitation options, allowing families to connect with patients remotely through video conferencing. Details on setting up virtual visits can be found on the hospital's website.

Regional Impact & Future Outlook

The surge in respiratory illnesses is not unique to Western North Carolina. Public health officials are reporting similar increases across the state and nationally. This year's flu season has been characterized by a particularly aggressive strain, and the concurrent rise in RSV cases is putting additional strain on healthcare resources. Local pediatricians are reporting increased emergency room visits due to RSV bronchiolitis, especially in infants under six months of age.

Mission Health officials are continuously monitoring the situation and will adjust visitor restrictions as needed, guided by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. They anticipate these restrictions may remain in effect for several weeks, potentially extending into early spring. The hospital is urging the public to practice preventative measures, not just within healthcare facilities, but also in the community at large, to help curb the spread of these illnesses.

For the latest updates on visitor guidelines, vaccination information, and resources related to respiratory illnesses, please visit [ Mission Health's website ].