H1N1 UPDATE
The Wellington Health Care Alliance is working closely with public health agencies and area health providers to create a safe hospital environment for our patients, staff and visitors as we respond to the global influenza A (H1N1) outbreak.
We have three recommendations for patients, clients and visitors to the hospital:
For patients: if you have a respiratory illness and would not have planned to visit the emergency department before this situation unfolded, do not visit now unless your symptoms become more severe and your health is not improving (this includes travelers returning from Mexico).
For visitors: as usual, do not come to the hospital if you feel unwell or have symptoms of a cold, influenza, stomach virus or other illness. If you do come to the hospital to visit, please follow all infection control and isolation protocols as advised.
For everyone: we urge proper hand washing with soap and warm water rubbing your hands for at least 15 seconds or the use of alcohol hand rubs for at least 15 seconds as the best ways to prevent the spread of illness. If you cough or sneeze, do so into your elbow or sleeve... not on your hands to prevent spreading germs through hand contact.
For more information on H1N1, please visit the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health unit at www.wdghu.org