Concern over the spread of H1N1 flu has prompted several hospitals around the state to ban children from visiting the hospital. UNC, Rex and WakeMed all announced bans effective Monday, Oct. 5.

UNC and Rex will are restricting visits by children under 12 years old. Chief Medical Officer Linda Butler said the recent increase in cases prompted the decision.

"We have babies, we have moms who are pregnant who are admitted, they're at high risk, we have patients being treated for cancer who are immunocompromised," she said. "We had to make the decision to protect our patients."

WakeMed officials decided to restrict visits to anyone under 18 years old. Similar bans already are in effect at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Carolinas Medical Center and Moses Cone Medical Center.

It will be especially tough on thousands of new families who can't bring big brothers and sisters to see new babies at the hospital.

For Courtney Braswell, who just had her second child, not having her five-year old come and visit would have been difficult.

"I feel it's important for siblings to be able to visit," she said. "They need to be part of the process."

But hospital officials say the risk of the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu this year is just too great to make exceptions for anyone.

"Most people are pretty understanding when they realize they're putting somebody else's health at risk coming in," said Butler. "They can wait the day or two to see their new sibling when they come home."

Braswell, who will be home with her baby when the ban takes effect, said parents will have to adjust.

"I think if you know it up front and prepare for it and be able to explain it to the older children then that would be a little easier," she said.

Visitation restrictions are common in intensive care areas of the hospital, but hospital officials say visitors don't always pay attention to them. They are hopeful that the threat of H1N1 is enough to discourage folks from taking a chance on putting patients' health - and the health of their children - at risk.