The flu outbreak at Orillia’s Soildiers’ Memorial Hospital has elevated.
In light of a second case of Influenza A the OSMH along with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit have officially declared an outbreak.
The outbreak has caused numerous precautions to now be put into place.
Visiting at Unit 2 will be restricted to those indicating they have had this years flu shot.
Visiting hours of 3-8 pm will be more strictly enforced, along with the limitation of 2 visitors per patient.
Soldiers 2 will be closed to all new patient admissions and transfers, unless the patient is being discharged home.
Patients being transferred to an alternate level of care in the community will require review and consultation with the nursing unit manager.
Staff and physician access to the unit is also restricted to those who have had this years flu shot a minimum of 14 days ago, or those who take a daily dose of Tamiflu.
Illness caused by the flu usually lasts up to 2 to 7 days, sometimes longer in the elderly and in people with chronic diseases.
Because the flu is viral, it can be spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing without covering your mouth or nose, and touching surfaces without washing your hands.
Hospital staff have asked that if you do come to the hospital as a visitor, you complete a thorough hand washing upon entering and exiting the hospital and the patient room.
The best way to prevent the spread of illness is through diligent hand washing.
