Feb. 10. North Carolina is definitely a red state—when it comes to the flu. The Centers for Disease Control says the influenza outbreak is a full red/high in North Carolina and a dozen other states from South Carolina to Alaska.

Meanwhile, Atrium Health and Novant Health are asking that children 12 and under stay out of all acute care facilities due to the widespread outbreak of the flu virus.

Signs of the flu include runny nose, sore throat, fever or cough. People who are seeking treatment at hospitals are not subject to the restriction.

“The flu virus can be extremely dangerous to people who have compromised immune systems, cancer, kidney disease and other chronic conditions,” said Dr. Eric Eskioglu, executive vice president and chief medical officer of Novant.

The restrictions apply to Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, as well as Novant and Atrium facilities across the state, including Carolinas HealthCare System Behavioral Health-Davidson.

The hospitals recommend visitors properly disinfect their hands by washing with soap and water or using sanitizing gel when entering and leaving the facilities. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care. If you have flu symptoms, in most cases you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. Flu sufferers should rest, drink fluids and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce minor pain or fever.