Hospitals are taking aggressive action against the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.

Action News reporter Reed Buterbaugh explains how a change in visitation rules will help keep patients safe.

Lourdes Hospital has seen a recent spike in people suffering from flu-like symptoms believed to be H1N1.

But it's been easily treatable.

"It's not effecting people very several," said Robert Taylor, Chief Medical Officer with Lourdes Hospital. "They're recovering very nicely. We're not having a lot of admissions at the hospital with people with influenza."

The hospital is trying to protect its patients from getting the virus by restricting visiting hours.

Patients are limited to just two visitors, and they have to be immediate family, over the age of 17.

"We want people who are coming to our hospital for a variety of conditions, to deliveries, elective surgery or if they're ill to feel safe in our hospital and protected from this influenza illness," Taylor said.

Wilson Hospital in Johnson City is also carefully monitoring the situation.

But says a hospital-wide restriction may do more harm than good.

"What we have decided to do is not increase that concern by restricting the hours yet but basically trying to say use prudent judgment," said Rajesh Dave, Chief Medical Officer at Wilson Hospital.

Wilson has limited visitors throughout its birthing center and maternity ward.

As pregnant women and new mothers are at a slightly higher risk.

"It's increase stress level on the body so yes there are a little more vulnerable and the younger one's who don't have the immunity are vulnerable so we're keeping a tab on that," Dave said.

Wilson has restricted visitation of new mothers to parents only.

But says it is remaining vigilant, and could add further restrictions if the spread continues rising.

Both hospitals say they've seen an influx of people coming to their doctor in fear of having the H1N1 virus.

People should be concerned about the severity of their symptoms if they are in high-risk groups.