Monday, January 27, 2014
CHEO recommends measures to protect against winter viruses
Given high levels of virus activity in the community this winter season, CHEO is reminding parents of ways to protect the health of their families and is taking measures to protect kids’ health once they arrive at CHEO.
To protect vulnerable patients with existing health conditions, CHEO is putting in place a temporary visitation restriction across the hospital, effective January 27, 2014, which will include:
All visitors to the hospital will be screened for runny nose, cough, vomiting or diarrhea. If they have any of these symptoms, they will be asked not to visit No children under the age of 14 may visit unless receiving care Families should limit who accompanies patients to its Emergency Department and outpatient clinics
CHEO had this in place on some units before the holidays and now has the resources – thanks to the strength and commitment of our volunteer community – to extend them more broadly.
These extra measures will help our patients stay safe and get better, keep infection rates low, and are part of our on-going commitment to quality improvement.
The visitor restrictions will be in effect until mid-February and then re-evaluated
Viral infections are spread by:
- Direct contact with an infected person,
- Indirect contact such as touching a contaminated surface, and/or
- Exposure to an infected person who may be coughing or sneezing.
CHEO reminds parents and children that frequent handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. Careful and frequent hand washing with warm water and soap for at least 15 seconds limits the spread of viruses. During viral season, extra care should be taken by carefully washing all toys, books, and common surfaces to avoid the spread of infection. It is also not too late to be vaccinated against influenza, another common respiratory infection at this time of year.
For more information contact:
Eva Schacherl
Communications Manager & Strategist
Tel: 613-737-7600 ext 3536
Cell: 613-769-5553
eschacherl@cheo.on.ca
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