Flu policy in place
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is asking all visitors to its health facilities to wear a surgical mask if they have not received an annual flu shot.
The policy takes effect Monday, December 1, and remains in place until March 31, 2015. It includes visitors to Powell River General Hospital, Powell River Public Health as well as Evergreen Extended Care, Tla’amin Community Health Services, long-term care homes and other health facilities. A list of locations around the area is provided on the VCH website using a search for Powell River.
The initiative is part of a strategy developed by the provincial government to protect vulnerable patients from outbreaks and prevent the spread of flu.
“Flu can be devastating for our patients because many have weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to serious illness,” said Dr. Meena Dawar, VCH’s medical health officer, in a press release from VCH announcing the policy. “The best way to protect your loved ones in hospital is to get a flu shot, even if you’re normally a healthy individual. The shot will not only protect you from getting the flu, but also the people around you.”
Flu shots have been free throughout the province for children under five years of age, seniors 65 years and older, pregnant women, first nations, and anyone with a chronic health condition or compromised immune system. Now, flu shots are also free for visitors or anyone who plans to take a loved one to a health facility for an outpatient appointment, and can be obtained through the family doctor, VCH flu clinics, walk-in clinics or pharmacies.
Masks are available at nursing stations and outpatient reception desks. Health care professionals are required to have a flu shot or wear a mask while at work during flu season.
“You can spread the flu for up to 24 hours before symptoms appear, so you can pass it on before you even know you’re sick,” explained Dawar. “We’re encouraging visitors to all our facilities to abide by the policy and either get a flu shot or wear a mask, since the good health of our patients and residents is our number one priority.”
