Swine flu hasn't really taken off at Sault Area Hospital

There are two positive cases of H1N1 influenza at Sault Area Hospital, says hospital Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tracy MacDonald.

The hospital has been tracking patients admitted with flu-like symptoms since October 16.

Talking to members of the media after last night's hospital board meeting, MacDonald said that 19 people have been admitted with flu-like symptoms since October 16. Of those, two tested positive with the H1N1 virus.

MacDonald said staff willingness to get the vaccination has been very positive with 1,200 physicians, medical students, staff and volunteers vaccinated over a three-week period.

High-risk patients have also been vaccinated.

"We're having daily meetings with our pandemic steering committee," MacDonald said. "We're continuing to encourage staff to practise good infection control measures such as hand hygiene and consistent use of personal protection equipment."

These measures seem to be working better at Sault Area Hospital than measures taken at other hospitals in Northern Ontario.

Hospital Director of Communications and Public Affairs Mario Paluzzi says this is partly due to positive public response to requests from the hospital.

"We've been able, through the media, to get requests out to the public asking them not to come in unless they felt they really had to," he said. "We do believe that has been a contributing factor in keeping the spread of infection somewhat contained," Paluzzi said.

Dr. Alan McLean, hospital chief of staff, recommended that people who haven't had their vaccine make an appointment for one as soon as appointments become available.

He said that a third wave of H1N1 is expected in the spring.

"How severe that one is will depend a lot on the number of people who develop an immunity now," McLean said.