Thursday, June 11, 2009

TBRHSC serves the same catchment areas as Winnipeg in the western part of Northwestern Ontario. Over the past few days, there has been an increase in febrile respiratory illness and some confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 in Northern Manitoba and Winnipeg. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) continues to follow the current flu and Infection Control guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Signage throughout TBRHSC assists our staff and the public to identify anyone who is ill with “flu-like symptoms”. Patients are asked to identify themselves to staff at points of entry, for example, Out-patient Clinics like Emergency, Diagnostic Imaging, Admitting and the Laboratory. Anyone who identifies with new or worsening cough and shortness of breath and a fever will be asked to wash their hands and put on a mask before being seen.

Staff who report flu-like illness will be asked not to return to work until symptoms have resolved.

Swine Influenza A (H1N1) is a respiratory infection and symptoms of swine flu are similar to seasonal influenza (flu) including headache, chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in adults as well as in children. In more severe cases, or in people with chronic conditions, complications such as pneumonia may develop.

We are requesting that if you have any of the above symptoms that you postpone visiting TBRHSC for other than health-related reasons until you are feeling better.

We encourage all visitors to use the hand rinse dispensers that are located near the elevators and in hallways on wards. Hand washing is the best way to prevent and control the spread of infections.

Staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre work diligently to control the spread of infections and disease. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will continue its surveillance efforts across the province using established public health practices and protocols.

Further information may be obtained from the most recent media release from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.

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