Outbreaks regular part of flu season

By Sarah Schofield

The Hastings and Prince Edward County Health Unit reports that there have been more instances this year of enteric outbreaks which leads to diarrhea and vomiting.

Stephanie McFaul, program manager of the department of communicable disease control at the health unit, describes the most recurring diseases.

“The ones that we deal with the most in our long-term care facilities for instance this season is the norovirus, a gastro-enteric illness, which causes vomiting and diarrhea. It’s highly contagious and spreads throughout the community. Usually what we see happening in our facilities is a reflection of what is happening in our communities.”

Respiratory and gastric outbreaks are a common seasonal occurrence in nursing homes.  There have been an estimated 10-15 outbreaks of flu this season in care facilities. This figure is an estimate involving long-term care facilities. Retirement homes and hospitals are not necessarily required to report to the health unit, said McFaul.

Carol Snell, media relations consultant of HPECHU, says that having an outbreak in a nursing home is not something to panic over.

“There is often something going on in an old folks home. If there are several people that have something they have to report it but it’s not necessarily indicative that there is something terrible, it’s just that it’s a vulnerable population to keep a close eye on.”

Susan Rowe, director of public affairs and community relations for Quinte Health Care, describes the procedures used during an outbreak.

“We do have an infection control team here and we are continually monitoring for symptoms of a variety of infectious diseases.

“We see an increase in people coming into the hospital and the community with influenza so that’s something we keep a closer eye on and we are impacted by in our emergency rooms and in patient units of our hospitals.”

Hospitals and long term care facilities employ precautions when dealing with outbreaks such as using personal protective equipment like masks, gloves and gowns, depending on which specific situation they are dealing with. However, the best way to help prevent the spread of diseases and viruses is to stop transmission before it has a chance, especially when dealing with the elderly.

McFaul explains the most effective way to prevent the transmittal of germs.

“It’s important to instill in ourselves to stay away from homes like that because we don’t want to introduce germs to those types of facilities. If you’re ill and not feeling well it’s best to stay home. Anytime you go out in the public you have the chance that you could be spreading your germs to the others. If you do need to go out, cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues and throw it out. Remember to wash your hands.”

Health officials say no emergent infectious diseases are on the horizon.

“It’s more just of the regular hand hygiene practices and preventative health measures to stay healthy during the winter flu season,” says McFaul.