Yuma Regional Medical Center says the high patient volume due to the flu season is normal during this time of year because of Yuma's winter visitor population and it being the peak in flu season.

The hospital began implementing changes to its visitor guidelines. "We made the announcement last Friday that children, those under the age of 18 will not be allowed into the hospital because of the flu epidemic," said Dr. Meyers with YRMC.

Dr. Meyers says flu season is far from over and that they expect a considerable number of patients with the flu in the next 4-6 weeks.

Under the new guidelines at YRMC an exception will be made to anyone who is under 18 who is the parent of the patient receiving care. Dr. Meyers says this is all to protect patients, families, and staff from unnecessary exposure to the virus.