Flu and Pandemic Information

How does a pandemic differ from a regular Influenza outbreak?

The main difference is that a pandemic will affect a large proportion of the world population - millions of flu cases will be caused by one subtype of flu - in a short period of time.

A normal flu virus is seasonal and does not necessarily affect a large number of people at the same time.

Pandemics come in waves, the second wave usually being more severe than the first one. Unlike regular influenza outbreak, pandemic influenza won't be seasonal.

Message from the VP, Nursing, Ambulatory & Outreach Services
Baycrest Influenza Outbreak Policy

As we enter into the months when we are most susceptible to Influenza outbreaks, it is essential that everyone understands what our policy is for such situations. This year we are making a change to make our protocol more efficient.

Let me begin by reminding people that everyone--families and visitors-- can still obtain the immunization from Occupational Health and Safety located on the second floor of the hospital.

In summary, our protocol is only changing in one way this year in that we will not be implementing screening at the entrance to a unit where there is Influenza Outbreak. We will be focusing on limiting contact of potential transmitters using effective infection control practices.

For Families and Visitors, the following is in place:

Visitors going to an outbreak unit should not visit other clients.
Visitors who are visiting a symptomatic client should only do so if vaccinated or if they receive Tamiflu.

Everyone must follow appropriate precautions posted on client rooms and must not come into Baycrest if feeling unwell (feverish, new or worsened cough, vomiting, diarrhoea) and must practice frequent hand hygiene.

Joy Richards
Vice-President, Nursing, Ambulatory& Outreach Services