Raleigh-area hospitals limit visitors amid flu spike. Here’s who can/can’t go

Healthcare systems in the Triangle are now restricting visitors due to a spike in flu cases in the state.

The restrictions come as flu cases continue to rise rapidly across much of the state. According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, influenza-like illness accounted for just 1% of emergency department visits statewide during the week of Nov. 8.

That share climbed steadily, reaching 5% of all ED visits by the week of Dec. 13. Over the same period, hospital admissions for flu-like symptoms jumped from 81 to 480 — a 493% increase.

Here’s a look at the restrictions.

WakeMed

WakeMed implemented its annual visitation restrictions starting Monday, Dec. 22, to help prevent the spread of flu, the company told The News & Observer in an email.

• Under the policy, children under 12 are not allowed in hospital nursing units, patient care areas, waiting rooms and emergency departments.
• Anyone with symptoms of contagious illness is asked to stay home to protect patients and staff.

UNC Health

UNC Health announced on Jan. 2, that restrictions will begin Monday, Jan. 6.

• Visitors 11 years old and younger will be prohibited from all hospital inpatient areas and all waiting areas starting.
• Visitors older than 11 with respiratory symptoms are prohibited from all inpatient areas and waiting areas.
• All employees at inpatient locations must wear a mask while providing direct patient care, and masks are strongly encouraged for patients and visitors.
• In the Triangle, the UNC Health rules cover UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, UNC Health Rex in Raleigh and Holly Springs, UNC Health Chatham in Siler City, and UNC Health Johnston in Clayton and Smithfield. In some other parts of the state, some visitor restrictions went into effect this week.

Duke Health

On Dec. 30, Duke Health announced restrictions starting Tuesday, Jan. 6.

• Patients can only have up to two visitors at a time.
• Daytime visitors must be age 12 and older; overnight visitors must be at least 18 unless they are the parent or caregiver of a minor patient.
• Visitors under the age of 12 are not allowed unless they have special circumstances or prior approval from a health care provider.

Here’s what else you need to know.

How is this flu strain different from others?

Current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests the H3N2 subvariant — the dominant subvariant in the U.S. — is more contagious than others.

H3N2 currently makes up nearly 90% of total cases reported in the country, CDC data show.

“Clearly, it’s out-competing the other strains of flu, which is suggesting it is more contagious,” Dr. David Weber, an infectious disease specialist at UNC Health, told The Charlotte Observer.

Triangle flu vaccine rates

NCDHHS data show just under 25% of Wake County residents have received a flu vaccine during the 2025-26 season. Immunization rates in Durham and Orange counties are slightly higher, at 27% and 31%, respectively.

However, those rates are lower than previous years, Weber said, adding that most counties tend to be around 30-50% vaccinated by this time during the flu season.

“It depends obviously on age and risk factors,” Weber said, referring to vaccination rates. “It’s not surprising that older people who are at higher risk are more likely to be immunized.”

Weber attributed some of the drop in vaccination rates to Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is “not a vaccine advocate,” he said.

Kennedy’s tenure as health secretary has included halting a CDC flu-promotion ad campaign and pausing meetings of major vaccine advisory groups, actions that public health journalists and experts say could affect public confidence and vaccine uptake.

“Growing hesitancy” to get vaccines hasn’t just affected immunization rates for flu, Weber said, noting that vaccination rates for measles, rubella and pertussis (whooping cough) have decreased in recent years.

How to avoid the flu

There are several ways to protect yourself from catching the flu, The Observer previously reported.

• Wear masks: The illness spreads through airborne particles, so masking is especially important indoors and in crowded spaces as cases rise.
• Get vaccinated: Though official guidance from the CDC has shifted, health professionals recommend that most people 6 months and older get the latest flu shots.. Older adults can also get a high-dose flu shot.
• Use early treatments: Oral antivirals for flu work best when started quickly — within 48 hours of symptoms for flu.
• Stick to basic precautions: Cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, improve airflow by opening windows and stay home when you’re sick.

Is it too late to get a flu vaccine?

No. It’s definitely not too late, Weber said.

It takes one to three weeks to build immunity after vaccination, and with North Carolina’s flu season not expected to peak until late January, Weber said there’s still time to get the shot.

Weber said cases are expected to rise further after the holidays because of increased large gatherings.

“We almost always have bumps, not only at our hospital, but in North Carolina and countrywide after Christmas and New Year’s,” said Weber. “People get together for religious observances, and obviously, family and others get together.”

Where to get a flu vaccine in NC

Here’s where to get a flu vaccine in NC:

▪ Pharmacies: Walk in or schedule appointments at national pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. You can also inquire with local neighborhood pharmacies.

▪ Grocery and big box stores: Walk in or schedule appointments at stores like Walmart, Target, Harris Teeter and Publix.

▪ Your healthcare provider: Of course, you can contact your doctor for an appointment.

This story was originally published December 29, 2025 at 1:41 PM with the headline "Raleigh-area hospitals limit visitors amid flu spike. Here’s who can/can’t go."

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.