Grey Bruce Health Services hospitals in Owen Sound and Meaford are seeing an increase in both gastro intestinal illness and influenza types of illness.
Gastro-intestinal illnesses are often referred to as a 'stomach bug,' and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Lab results are pending to determine the exact cause of the illness, but officials say it is likely a type of norovirus.
Flu symptoms include: fever and chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches.
In an effort to minimize the spread of illness to patients and staff, visitors are asked not to come to a Grey Bruce Health Services Hospital if you are sick.
If you or a member of your household is sick, wait until 48 hours have passed without illness before coming to the hospital to visit patients. You can still spread illness to others even when you are not feeling sick.
Wash your hands upon entering and leaving the hospital, and before and after entering a patient’s room. Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of infection.
If you are visiting a patient who is in isolation, you must check in with the Nurses’ Station prior to entering the patient’s room. You will be instructed on what type of personal protection to wear, which may include gloves, gown, masks.
Get vaccinated annually to protect against the flu