DO NOT visit patients in hospital if you are feeling ill

North Bay Regional Health Centre
News Release

********************

While the hospital is not in ‘outbreak’ for influenza illnesses, please be advised that we are seeing an increase in patients presenting to the Emergency Department and being admitted for care.

The district has seen a total of 86 confirmed cases of influenza A with 10 cases currently in hospital and several long term care homes in the district are currently in outbreak status.

What can I do?

• DO NOT visit patients in hospital if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness. This helps keep your loved one and others safe from these highly contagious illnesses.

• WASH YOUR HANDS, WASH YOUR HANDS, WASH YOUR HANDS. Research shows that 50% of transmissions can be prevented by washing your hands. When visiting the hospital, please STOP and use the HAND WASHING STATIONS at each entrance upon entering AND leaving the hospital and help keep you and your loved ones safe.

• GET YOUR INFLUENZA VACCINE. Immunization against Influenza is still the best way to prevent the flu and it’s not too late—available through local pharmacies and through the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.

• Should you require emergency care, please call an ambulance or come to the Emergency Department.

********************