Health Team

Hospital volunteers lend a hand, an ear to patients as visitor restrictions persist

Flu infections may be on the down turn, but hospitals are still on their guard.

Posted Updated

By
Allen Mask
, M.D., WRAL Health Team physician
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Flu infections may be on the down turn, but hospitals are still on their guard.

A dozen new flu deaths were reported in North Carolina on Thursday, bringing the total number of deaths for the season to 276. Flu season visitor restrictions are still in place at many hospitals around the state, which means family members can't see their loved ones. Instead, volunteers are taking on the important role.

Alessandro Racioppi is planning on applying for medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is why he enrolled with UNC Hospitals' volunteer services.

"I was interested in being more involved with patient time, patient interactions and clinical experiences," Racioppi said.

UNC Hospitals volunteers follow a strict clean-hands protocol when visiting with patients.

There are over 2,000 volunteers in the hospital system. During flu season, both medical staff and hospital volunteers are required to be vaccinated.

"So, our volunteers are vaccinated," said Linda Bowles, director of the hospital's volunteer services. "They know not to come in if they are exhibiting any signs of fever, runny nose if it's not associated with an allergy."

Bowles said the volunteers provide human interaction for patients who can't see their families.

"It's helpful to have volunteers go in and spend some time with some of the patients when family members can't," Bowles said.

Volunteers are trained to prevent the spread of germs to or from patients. So, Racioppi knows the drill.

"Anytime I walk into a patient's room, any time I walk out, I wash my hands (and) sanitize them," he said.

He said being in the hospital is a rewarding experience.

"Having someone that they can talk to and just forget about their problems for a while, is definitely something I enjoy," Racioppi said. "(I) also enjoy anytime I am able to help them."

WRAL Health Team's Dr. Allen Mask said the number of flu cases are dropping off, but some patients are still asking about the vaccine. Mask said he still recommends getting the vaccine even past the season's peak.

“I'm seeing much fewer cases involving the flu, but yes, I do ask patients if they've had the vaccine and strongly recommend it still,” Mask said.

Flu season typically ends in May, and health officials say to expect the dominant flu strain to change over from H3N2, which has caused so many problems, to the Influenza B strain. The current vaccine includes protection for that strain.

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