South Shore Health to open Influenza Assessment Centre

In response to increasing visits to local emergency departments by people with flu-like symptoms, South Shore Health will open an influenza assessment clinic beginning 9 a.m., Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 in the third-floor Ambulatory Care Centre at South Shore Regional Hospital.

The Assessment Centre will operate Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice. The Walk-in Clinic will be held as usual. Previously scheduled ambulatory care appointments may be postponed or relocated. Patients will be contacted directly by staff.

“We’re monitoring the H1N1 situation very closely in terms of being able to provide timely assessment and treatment,” said Sandy Christie, VP Clinical Services. “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding if we have to shift or postpone other appointments.”

Adults and children with worsening flu-like symptoms who wish to see a health care professional should visit the Assessment Centre instead of going to hospital emergency departments. This will ease congestion in emergency departments and help prevent the spread of flu to other patients. It is anticipated that wait times for flu complaints will be shorter at the Assessment Centre than at an emergency department.

Flu-like symptoms are fever and/or cough, and one or more of the following: unusual tiredness, headache, muscle or joint aches, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea in children less than five years of age.

Most cases of H1N1 are mild and will clear up in a few days by resting at home.

Only come to the flu centre if you have the flu and:

You get sicker instead of better, after a few days; or

You are in a high-risk group, which includes those: with a chronic medical condition; who are pregnant, especially over 20 weeks; or are under five years old; or

You have the flu, and ANY ONE of the following symptoms:

shortness of breath, wheezing

chest pain

sudden dizziness

severe or persistent vomiting

A fever above 38.5ºC (101ºF) for more than 3 days.

Additional warning symptoms in children include not eating or drinking, or being unusually sleepy, irritable or quiet.

If you are severely ill – especially with breathing difficulties -- you should seek immediate help by going to your nearest Emergency department or calling 911.

People visiting the assessment centre do not require an appointment, but do need to bring their health card.

Health professionals at the centre will assess you and provide treatment, if necessary. If you require additional care or follow-up, they will provide a referral.

The Assessment Centre is not providing vaccinations. People can go to the Vaccination Clinics to get an H1N1 and/or seasonal flu shot. A complete schedule is posted at ssdha.nshealth.ca or available from 811.

More information on H1N1 can be found of South Shore Health’s website or visit the Department of Health Protection and Promotion’s website regularly for updates www.gov.ns.ca