Flu assessment centre update

Capital Health opened a flu assessment centre at Hants Community Hospital (HCH) last week for patients needing medical attention for influenza-like symptoms. The clinic will be open daily in the day surgery area and access is through the emergency entrance located at the back of the hospital.

The health authority hopes the assessment centre will alleviate congestion in the HCH Emergency Department and prevent the spread of viruses to other patients at the hospital. HCH is still open to the public, but patients are restricted to two visitors.

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. If otherwise healthy, and experiencing these symptoms, patients are asked to stay at home.

Health professionals at the assessment centres will assess patients for flu and H1N1. They will provide advice on what to do to get better and may also provide treatment. Patients requiring additional care or follow-up, will be referred. The assessment centres are not providing vaccinations nor are they swabbing patients to confirm H1N1 or offering inpatient care.

As with any medical emergency, if severely ill, seek immediate help by going to the nearest Emergency Department or calling 911.

Capital Health reminds residents following general infection control practices, such as washing hands, coughing into your sleeve, and staying home when ill, can help to reduce transmission of all viruses.

The clinic will be open: November 16, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; November 17,6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; November 18, 4 p.m.to 8 p.m.; November 19,6 to 8 p.m.; November 20, 6 to 8 p.m.; November 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and November 22, 10 a.m. to noon. For hours after November 22 or other information, please call (902) 792 – 2000 or visit www.cdha.nshealth.ca