High volume of influenza cases may pose a risk to in-patients as well as increase wait times in the emergency department

Sudbury residents are being asked to limit or defer visits to Health Sciences North (HSN) in the next few weeks due to a higher-than-usual number of Influenza A cases.

This is also impacting wait times in the emergency room.

This case-count increase was reported on the respiratory disease dashboard on the Public Health Sudbury & Districts website, which showed “very high” activity in terms of admissions to the hospital.

“Typically, influenza activity rises later in the season, usually late January into early February, while COVID-19 activity peaks around early January,” said hospital communications director Jason Turnbull in a news release. “This year’s respiratory pattern is arriving earlier than expected, but variations like this can occur year to year.”

Despite the higher activity, there are no changes to visiting hours and no visitor restrictions are being imposed, HSN said. Visitors do not need to follow any special precautions beyond our usual expectations, said Turnbull.

“However, we are strongly encouraging families and loved ones to limit or defer visits if they feel unwell, including symptoms like fever or a new cough,” he added.

Turnbull said visitors are also encouraged to take extra precautions and to wash their hands upon entering and exiting the hospital, as a way to help reduce the spread of illness.

“Hospitals across Ontario are experiencing rapid increases in respiratory, COVID-19, and flu-related hospitalizations. At HSN, the higher number of patients presenting to our Emergency Department may result in longer wait times,” said Turnbull

“We ask anyone coming to HSN for care to please be kind and patient with our teams, who are working very hard to provide the best care possible. For patients with non-urgent medical needs, there are other care options in the community, with your primary care provider being the best first point of contact,” he added.

More information for visitors to the hospital can be found on the HSN website.