For Immediate Release
January 9, 2013
TRILLIUM HEALTH PARTNERS MANAGING HEIGHTENED ACTIVITY OF INFLUENZA AND GASTRO INTESTINAL ILLNESS
Hospital reminds community to protect themselves this flu season
(Mississauga) – Facing heightened activity of influenza and gastro intestinal illness at their hospital sites, including an outbreak of influenza in one area of Credit Valley Hospital, Trillium Health Partners is reminding people to take the proper precautions in order to prevent contracting the flu this season.
“Flu season is upon us with a vengeance,” said Dr. Eric Letovsky, Emergency Department Chief, Trillium Health Partners. “It is hitting every community across the province and we are no exception. In order to prevent the spread of the flu and gastro intestinal viruses there are some very simple steps people can take in order to protect themselves.”
Trillium Health Partners advises community members to stay healthy by:
- Getting the Flu Shot - It’s the best protection against influenza. Protect yourself and those around you by getting the flu shot.
- Remembering to wash your hands – Wash your hands often for at least 15-20 seconds and use hand sanitizer to prevent the spreading of germs.
- Staying home if you are not feeling well - Do not go to work or visit loved ones in hospital. This is particularly important if you are experiencing fever, the new onset of a cough, diarrhea, and/or vomiting.
- Coughing or sneezing into a tissue, or your sleeve.
- Keeping commonly touched surfaces disinfected.
Heightened levels of influenza and gastro intestinal illness have been seen across the GTA this winter season. Trillium Health Partners began to see a significant increase of patients visiting its emergency departments and admitted to inpatient units with influenza-like and gastro virus-like illness and/or confirmed illnesses in December 2012.
These numbers have continued to increase and the hospital sites are now in a state of heightened activity with one area of the Credit Valley Hospital in outbreak status. Public Health defines an outbreak as 2 or more acquired cases of an illness within a 48 hour period. The outbreak status was declared after two patients contracted influenza in hospital within a 48 hour period. Trillium Health Partners will continue to post updates regarding heightened activity and outbreak status on their website, www.trilliumhealthpartners.ca.
“Staff at Trillium Health Partners are deeply committed to patient safety and are monitoring the situation on a daily basis,” said Dr. Letovsky. “We are taking every precaution to prevent the spread of influenza and gastro intestinal illness within our hospital.”
Community members who are suffering from influenza or gastro intestinal illness and require medical attention should visit Trillium Health Partners Emergency Departments or Urgent Care facilities. Alternatively, community members can visit www.feelbetterfaster.ca to get a list of all local health care service providers.
About Trillium Health Partners
Trillium Health Partners (formerly The Credit Valley Hospital and Trillium Health Centre) is the largest community hospital in the province, serving Mississauga, West Toronto and the surrounding communities. It has a teaching affiliation with the Mississauga Academy of Medicine at the University of Toronto Mississauga. For more information, www.trilliumhealthpartners.ca
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Media Contact:
Catherine Pringle
Senior Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs
Trillium Health Partners
Office: 905-848-7580 ext. 3832
Mobile: 416-358-7201
cpringle AT thc DOT on DOT ca
