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Message to Patients, Visitors and Public
William Osler Health Centre continues to follow the direction given by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care by heightening precautions and surveillance for patients suspected of having Influenza A H1N1. The situation is constantly being monitored and our practices will change as required.
Items of interest:
Assessment Centres
Self Assessment Tool
Flu Hints
H1N1 Flu prevention checklist
H1N1 Preparedness Guide
It's a Different Flu Season brochure
Protect Yourself
Frequently Asked Questions About H1N1
Are all cases of Influenza A H1N1 severe?
No. Most cases of H1N1 are mild.
What are the symptoms of H1N1?
H1N1 influenza symptoms similar to those of the regular seasonal flu including:
· Fever
· Fatigue
· Lack of appetite
· Coughing
· Sore throat.
· Some people with H1N1 have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.
How can I protect myself and my family?
· Practice good hand hygiene at all times.
· Cough into your sleeve, not your hands.
· Disinfect all surfaces and shared utensils, particularly when a family member is unwell.
· Avoid public places if you feel unwell.
· Get the H1N1 vaccine
Where are vaccination clinics located?
· For up-to-date listing, visit Peel Public Health's website at www.peelregion.ca/health and Toronto Public Health website at www.toronto.ca/health
Can I get my vaccine at the hospital?
a· The emergency department does not do routine testing for H1N1
· The emergency department does not administer the vaccine
· Check the Region of Peel and Toronto Public Health websites for updates at http://www.peelregion.ca/ and www.toronto.ca/health
What should I do if I'm not feeling well?
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms including fever, cough or shortness of breath, contact your doctor or call TELEHEALTH ONTARIO at 1-866-797-0000 to speak to a nurse. If you are in crisis and require immediate medical attention, please call 911.
Is the hospital still open for visitors?
Yes. However, if you are feeling at all unwell, please do not visit.
How do I know if I should come to the Emergency?
There is an assessment tool at this website Ontario.ca/flu. Most influenza cases are mild and can be managed at home. If you have symptoms of influenza, contact your family doctor or walk-in clinic or call TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. If in doubt about your condition or if your condition worsens (e.g. shortness of breath), call 911 or come to emrgency.
· Cough into your sleeve, not your hands.
· Disinfect all surfaces and shared utensils, particularly when a family member is unwell.
· Avoid public places if you feel unwell.
· Get the H1N1 vaccine
If you are coming to the Emergency Department or are attending a scheduled hospital appointment and are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness, please advise the triage nurse or receptionist right away. You will be asked to clean your hands and put on a surgical mask.
Visitors are welcome – however, if you have a cough or cold or are feeling unwell, please delay your visit until you are feeling better.
Wash your hands often and well! Regular hand washing helps avoid the spread of infection to patients, you, your family and others. While in hospital, please wash your hands before and after every patient contact, before and after eating, after sneezing or coughing and after using the washroom. Hand sanitizers are available throughout the hospitals and at each entrance and exit.
The Public Health Agency advises Canadians to:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use alcohol based hand sanitizer
- Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve
- Clean / disinfect equipment and surfaces
- Do not visit others if you are feeling ill
- Get your annual flu shot
- Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if you are sick
- Check www.fightflu.ca for more information
- Check www.voyage.gc.ca for travel notices and advisories
For more information:
Thank you for your cooperation!
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