Stratford General Hospital’s medicine unit has been closed to admissions as officials declared an influenza outbreak after three patients tested positive for the flu.
“In response to the outbreak we are working closely with Huron Perth Public Health,” HPHA infection control practitioner Larry Morrell said in a release.
Morrell added that visitors to the unit have been restricted to two per patient, while limitations on staffing for the unit have been implemented.
All patients on the unit are currently being offered Tamiflu prophylaxis. Visitors to the unit are asked to follow proper hand hygiene procedures and are reminded to cough or sneeze into their arm instead of their hands.
Any visitors not feeling well or experiencing flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and or sneezing) are asked to refrain from visiting until they are feeling better. Exceptions will be made for compassionate grounds or for direct family members of palliative patients.
“With influenza circulating in Huron and Perth communities we’d like to remind the public there are several things that can be done to protect yourself and others becoming sick,” Morrell added. “Get a flu shot, which is still available from your family doctor and local pharmacies. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.”
Eighty-seven per cent of HPHA staff, physicians and students have been vaccinated for influenza. HPHA will continue to update the public as information changes or more becomes available.