MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Grand Strand Health announces temporary changes to its visitation policy due to rising respiratory illness cases in the community.

The policy changes, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 5, will not permit any visitors under the age of 12 in the hospital.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. George Helmrich said, "Respiratory viruses can cause serious illness, particularly for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems."

Helmrich outlined that the temporary visitation policy changes are meant to reduce the risk of spreading infection within the hospital and to foster the safest possible environment for their patients.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that typically manifests with mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can escalate to severe illness in vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, and older adults.

The virus is highly contagious, spreading easily through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, as well as contact with contaminated surfaces, Grand Strand Health says.

To help mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses, Grand Strand Health encourages community members to adopt preventative practices. These include diligent hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick, and staying home when feeling unwell.

Grand Strand Health says it will monitor respiratory illness activity and adjust its visitation guidelines as necessary.