http://www.mayerthorpefreelancer.com/story.php?id=214974
[SIZE=+1]Influenza outbreak shuts down hospital[/SIZE]
?At this point we are not admitting patients unless absolutely necessary!?
[SIZE=-1]Rosemary Austen
Editor, Mayerthorpe Freelancer[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-2]Wednesday February 22, 2006[/SIZE]
Mayerthorpe Freelancer ? Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Johnson is warning citizens that an acute strain of Influenza A is circulating in the Mayerthorpe area and is strongly encouraging precautions be put in place.
?The region is taking precautionary measures to reduce the spread of the flu. The flu can cause serious illness for seniors, frail elderly and those seriously ill, and we need to remind people to take common sense precautions,? Johnson explains.
The influenza outbreak was first detected on Monday, Feb 13.
?A positive result came back from the lab,? commented Karen Kyle, Mayerthorpe Health Care Centre facility supervisor. Over the week five more cases turned up.
Mayerthorpe Healthcare Centre responded by closing down their Acute Care Unit and Long Term Care Centre. They have since been asking that the public postpone any visits to the hospital. Other institutions like the Hospital Auxiliary and Pleasantview Lodge have followed suite also asking citizens to stay away.
?At this point we are not admitting patients unless absolutely necessary,? says Kyle. ?We want to isolate people who are sick so are really not encouraging any visitors here or at institutions like Pleasantview or the Extendicare unless absolutely necessary.?
Area students were also sent home with letters warning about the outbreak.
Influenza A is extremely contagious and is spread like the common cold. Health professionals say a flu shot is the best protection. They are still available by appointment at the community heath centres.
Another important precaution is hand washing.
?Washing your hands is the single most important measure in preventing transmission of many infection,? adds Dr. Johnson. ?It is the best way to stop bacteria, viruses and other germs from spreading. Even though you cannot see them, many things you touch every day are covered with germs, which are then passed on to others and make them sick.?
Individual should cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze. Likewise, people who are already ill should avoid schools or visiting friends and relatives in care facilities or hospital until their symptoms have passed.
[SIZE=+1]Influenza outbreak shuts down hospital[/SIZE]
?At this point we are not admitting patients unless absolutely necessary!?
[SIZE=-1]Rosemary Austen
Editor, Mayerthorpe Freelancer[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-2]Wednesday February 22, 2006[/SIZE]
Mayerthorpe Freelancer ? Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Johnson is warning citizens that an acute strain of Influenza A is circulating in the Mayerthorpe area and is strongly encouraging precautions be put in place.
?The region is taking precautionary measures to reduce the spread of the flu. The flu can cause serious illness for seniors, frail elderly and those seriously ill, and we need to remind people to take common sense precautions,? Johnson explains.
The influenza outbreak was first detected on Monday, Feb 13.
?A positive result came back from the lab,? commented Karen Kyle, Mayerthorpe Health Care Centre facility supervisor. Over the week five more cases turned up.
Mayerthorpe Healthcare Centre responded by closing down their Acute Care Unit and Long Term Care Centre. They have since been asking that the public postpone any visits to the hospital. Other institutions like the Hospital Auxiliary and Pleasantview Lodge have followed suite also asking citizens to stay away.
?At this point we are not admitting patients unless absolutely necessary,? says Kyle. ?We want to isolate people who are sick so are really not encouraging any visitors here or at institutions like Pleasantview or the Extendicare unless absolutely necessary.?
Area students were also sent home with letters warning about the outbreak.
Influenza A is extremely contagious and is spread like the common cold. Health professionals say a flu shot is the best protection. They are still available by appointment at the community heath centres.
Another important precaution is hand washing.
?Washing your hands is the single most important measure in preventing transmission of many infection,? adds Dr. Johnson. ?It is the best way to stop bacteria, viruses and other germs from spreading. Even though you cannot see them, many things you touch every day are covered with germs, which are then passed on to others and make them sick.?
Individual should cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze. Likewise, people who are already ill should avoid schools or visiting friends and relatives in care facilities or hospital until their symptoms have passed.