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OTMH taking all precautions to protect patients and staff continued from p.1 OTMH for several weeks, heightening the level of concern that a staff member, volunteer or visitor introduced the virus into the hospital. All nine cases are contained to the Medicine 4C inpatient unit -- one of the largest units in the hospital -- at this time. "We wanted to make sure people knew we were dealing with a higher risk situation on that ward and that there would be restrictions in terms of visitors," Rau said. "We're worried about it spreading amongst a population that is vulnerable." He said the impending wave of Influenza A will likely last four to six weeks in the community, and shows no signs of slowing in the short-term. "We're still on the upswing rather than on the downswing.... so the worst has not yet come in terms of the impact of the flu on this community and our patients in the community," Rau said. "Unfortunately, we are already experiencing the impact of the disease in the community in the form of cases in our hospital involving a vulnerable population." Rau said the flu virus severely affects those younger than five years old and those over age 65, as well as anyone with an underlying medical condition. "Over 65 and underlying medical conditions describes about 80 per cent or 90 per cent of the people who end up in our hospital," Rau said. "Take this as a strong shot across the bow that we're going to deal with this in a very aggressive fashion at this stage, rather than waiting to have more cases," he said. Compounding the issue is the fact this year's flu vaccine is a poor match against the present virus. "Therefore, even those who do have the vaccine, even though they have partial protection, it's incomplete protection," Rau said. The specialist said while many people may contract the flu and recover, HHS wants to warn the public of the outbreak to show how seriously it takes visitors, volunteers, staff and physicians as follows: · All patients on Medicine 4C have been given preventative antiviral medication and/ or treatment; · Staff, physicians and visitors to the unit are required to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for or visiting patients with flu-like illnesses; · Signs have been placed at the main entrances to the hospital and the unit, advising visitors to stop at the nursing station for visitation instructions; · Visiting is restricted to one person at a time, with appropriate PPE, for the duration of the outbreak; ·Visiting by those under age 12, unless for compassionate reasons, is discouraged; · Daily tracking of patients and staff for new cases of illness continues on 4C; · Patients with respiratory 3 | Friday, December 19, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Dr. Neil Rau patient safety. "We want people to know that even if someone is in hospital, they can never be 100 per cent protected from problems in the community," he said. "People in the community can introduce infections that are, relatively speaking, minor in the community... but which can be very serious when it involves otherwise pretty unhealthy patients who are in hospital for other reasons." To combat against Influenza A, HHS is implementing its Infection Prevention and Control action plan to contain the outbreak and protect our patients, symptoms are being addressed with additional precautions. To facilitate patient flow in the hospital, the unit will remain open to admissions; · All OTMH in-patient units are undertaking active surveillance for patient and staff respiratory illness; · People are being encouraged to wash their hands frequently; · If someone is ill, they are urged not to visit at the hospital. Sore Feet, Sports Injury, Painful Ingrown Toenails? Plantar Warts? We can help! 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