Local hospitals are bracing for an influx of patients as the flu season ramps up.
South Bruce Grey Health Centre President and CEO Paul Rosebush says their infection control specialist is predicting the flu season will hit its peak around December 20th and will run into the first couple weeks of January.
He says their hospitals will bring in extra staff if the number of cases requires it, but adds public health officials recommend avoiding a trip to the hospital if you think have the flu.
Rosebush says the best way to contain the spread of the flu is to stay home and let it run its course.
"Folks should stay home if they have the flu and they can call the Telehealth number [1-866-797-0000] to get some guidance, should they have the flu, before they go to the hospital," says Rosebush. "If patients with symptoms of the flu do come to the hospital, we ask that they mask-up and put on gloves at the door and that will help prevent transmission of the flu bug."
Rosebush says they have been encouraging their staff to get a flu shot, adding their goal is to have 70% of their staff immunized.