North Bay Regional Health Centre is reporting influenza activity.
The hospital, in consultation with the local health unit, has declared an outbreak of influenza A in the in-patient rehabilitation area, C1.
The inpatient rehab unit has 29 beds and helps people recover after having a stroke, major surgery, or traumatic injury or medical condition.
Hospital officials say increased precautionary measures are in place. The health centre also notes this increased flu activity comes at a time when the hospital is experiencing higher-than-usual levels of in-patient activity and limited bed flow.
Mark Daniw is the manager of infection prevention and control for the hospital and tells CTV News that the health and safety of everyone at the facility is a high priority.
“Our efforts are focused on containing the spread of the virus. We have increased cleaning, isolated infected patients and reinforced hand hygiene practices.” said Daniw.
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit says to protect against the flu:
- Get your flu shot
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water
- Cough and sneeze into your sleeve
The health unit says that most adults can spread the flu virus 24 hours before they develop any symptoms and up to 3 – 5 days afterwards, while children and some adults may be contagious for seven days or more after the onset.
Since September 2018, there have been 107 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza in the North Bay Parry Sound district, two were type B and the rest were type A.
