STEGH treats 20 flu cases

St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital and Elgin St. Thomas Public Health are appealing to local residents to do their bit to stem the spread of influenza in the community, which has been blamed for one death.

In a release late Thursday afternoon, Jan. 9, hospital President Paul Collins and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Franklin Warsh said the majority of cases in the area were H1N1, which was included in this year’s influenza vaccine.

The hospital is asking visitors who are feeling unwell or who has not had a flu shot to wear a face mask available at all entrances.

STEGH employees who haven’t been vaccinated, 17 percent of the total, will be required to wear face masks in all patient care areas.

Any new patient with respiratory symptoms will be placed in isolation on admission for at least 72 hours, or until testing can be complete.

The health unit is urging members of the public to get vaccinated if they haven’t already.