Yarmouth hospital restricted visitors to ALCU

The Yarmouth Regional Hospital placed restrictions on visitors to the Alternative Level of Care Unit, last week, and is asking people not to visit the hospital if they are ill.

The restriction was due to some cases of an influenza-like illness among residents.

Exceptions were being made for family members in some situations. Any visitor to the ALCU was being asked to check with the nurses’ station on the unit.

With colds, flu and stomach viruses circulating in the community, the Nova Scotia Health Authority reminds the public not to visit patients in hospital or long-term care if they are ill.

These viruses spread easily from person to person and are more serious for those who are already ill. Good hand washing helps prevent the spread of infection.

“If you are feeling ill and your symptoms become severe, call your primary health-care provider or visit the nearest emergency department,” the health authority said in a release. “People can also call 811 to speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Influenza, or flu, symptoms include sudden onset of: fever, headache, cough, general aches and pains, fatigue and weakness, a runny, stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat.

For information on preventing the flu, visit: http://novascotia.ca/ flu