Update : End of Community Wide Influenza Activity
SMH discontinues additional precautions as Simcoe-Muskoka District Health unit declares end of community wide influenza activity
Friday, January 27, 2017
In response to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) declaration of community wide influenza activity being over as of January 24, 2017, Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) will continue to be diligent in their efforts to contain the spread of the influenza virus
Hand hygiene stations will remain at each of the entrances to the hospital but staff and visitors will no longer be required to wear surgical masks if they have not had their influenza vaccine but are still strongly encouraged to practice good hand hygiene before entering the facility, and before and after entering a patient room. SMH also asks that ill visitors please refrain from visiting loved ones until they are well.
SMH will continue to encourage their staff to receive the influenza vaccine to aid in preventing transmission of influenza and to increase our vaccine rates above the current 55%.
Local Emergency departments continue to experience a high number of visits from patients with flu-like symptoms. The community is being asked that for anyone with flu-like symptoms who doesn’t require the services of the hospital to please stay home.
It is still the focus to ensure influenza doesn’t spread from patient to patient, which could potentially lead to the declaration of an outbreak within the hospital and to also keep staff, physicians and volunteers safe and healthy.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has an online tool for anyone with flu-like symptoms to help them determine an appropriate care plan. The tool can be accessed at www.ontario.ca/flu and includes an interactive map to find a pharmacy near you that has flu shots available.
Public Health continues to support that the circulating influenza type appears to be a good match to the vaccine. If you have not had your flu shot yet you are strongly encouraged to get it now.
