Lakelands Public Health declaring Hyland Crest long-term care home in a respiratory outbreak as of last week provided proof of Dr. Thomas Piggott’s comments to the last board of health meeting.
On Dec. 17, the medical officer of health said he wanted to highlight “a few things from a respiratory virus standpoint.” He cited influenza, COVID, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
He said vaccines continued to be available and were highly recommended. “Pretty much anyone over six months of age for COVID and influenza and RSV for infants; as well as an expanded older age population, high medical risk factors, and individuals 75 years and older.” Piggott also discussed H3N2 influenza A.
“So, certainly looking to be a concerning flu year,” he said.
He added the respiratory virus tracker on their website is now high, “which means we really are in this peak transmission time period so that’s really important to be aware of.”
Piggott said beyond vaccination, the public has learned from COVID to stay home when sick; wear masks; and spend time in well-ventilated spaces or outdoors.
He noted the deaths of three children in Eastern Ontario in December from influenza, which he termed “very concerning.” While he said there are four or five deaths in children every year in Ontario due to the flu, these ones have come very early in the season.
Respiratory outbreak at Hyland Crest LTC home
“We are watching closely this influenza season and strongly recommend anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated to be vaccinated.”
Haliburton Highlands Health Services said that on Dec. 28, the health unit had declared Minden’s Hyland Crest in a respiratory outbreak. All symptomatic residents had been isolated to their rooms and placed on droplet contact precautions. HHHS said swab results had been delivered confirming Rhinovirus, Influenza A + H3.
“Two residents on the lower level of Hyland Crest have developed mild respiratory symptoms as of today (Jan. 6). Swabs have been collected on new ill residents.”
HHHS added, “Hyland Crest staff continue to work diligently to reduce the spread of this infection. Increased Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is being used by staff to reduce the risk of transmission. Essential visitors are asked to always follow appropriate IPAC procedures.
Please be reminded of the importance of hand hygiene. Washing hands thoroughly and/or leveraging HHHS-supplied hand sanitizer helps stop the spread and keeps us all safe. As always please call the nursing team anytime for an update on your loved one.”
The outbreak at Hyland Crest remained in effect as of press time Jan. 14.
Extendicare Haliburton has also had trouble with Influenza A, Rhiovirus and Enterovirus, with an outbreak at that facility declared Dec. 25 and lasting until Jan. 7.
Meanwhile, the board of health next meets virtually on Jan. 21 at 4 p.m.
