Alliston, Ontario (November 2, 2009) - With the emerging threat of a Phase 2 H1N1 outbreak across the Country, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is tracking an increased amount of patients experiencing flu-like illness throughout our community. As a result, Stevenson Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department continues to see a steady stream of patients with symptoms of influenza-like illnesses.

Please be aware that the Hospital will NOT be providing H1N1 vaccinations to the community. Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has set up clinics in order to provide vaccinations to community members. For information on where these clinics are located, please go to http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Home.aspx or call the Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1 877-721-7520.

Symptoms of H1N1 Influenza A include:

- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever, chills
- Muscle and joint pains
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Eye pain

We are asking the community to self-assess prior to seeking medical attention. If you are experiencing mild to moderate flu-like symptoms that do not require urgent, immediate care, you are advised to make an appointment with your family physician or contact TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000 for advice. 

If your condition worsens and you require immediate care, please seek medical attention immediately.  Patients coming to the Emergency Department will be limited to having one support person accompany them. At times, it may be necessary to separate patients from their support person to help prevent the spread of infection. In cases of a child with influenza-like illness, one parent will be permitted to accompany their child.

At this time, Stevenson’s Visiting Hours are 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and these hours will be strictly enforced. Should incidence of H1N1 continue to increase and affect the daily operations of the Hospital, Stevenson may be forced to restrict visitor access to the Hospital.

Visitors are expected to self-screen upon coming to the hospital and must practise proper hand hygiene by cleaning their hands with the alcohol hand foam provided upon entering and exiting the hospital, and before entering or exiting a patient room. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Individuals can help prevent the spread of the flu by following a few simple infection control practices, such as:

·         Good hand hygiene by washing your hands well and often
·         Sneeze and cough into your upper sleeve
·         Stay at home and limit contact with others when you are ill.

For more information contact:
Mary Beth Hennin
Infection Control Practitioner
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-3377 ext # 2868