Children banned from hospitals as deadly flu continues to spread

Updated

Hospitals are banning children from visiting patients to help stop spreading the aggressive flu that has now killed 20 children and 85 adults in the U.S., according to federal authorities.

A news release from Detroit’s Beaumont Health System said they are experiencing high volumes of patients with respiratory viral illnesses, predominantly influenza.

“For the safety of our patients and staff, visitation by children under 13 years of age is limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as severe illness of a parent or sibling, or end-of-life situation.”

About 46 states including Michigan are reporting widespread flu outbreaks. The oldest and the youngest are the most vulnerable.

Doctors are urging people across the country to get vaccinated if they have not already, even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says this year's flu vaccine has only been about 10 percent effective, yet it is the best weapon to fight it.

RELATED: Hospitals facing critical shortage as flu patient numbers surge

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