H1N1 activity slows, Backus events resume Nov. 30
PrintThe public event restrictions at The William W. Backus Hospital and its satellite locations will be lifted beginning Monday, Nov. 30.
The events, which include everything from support groups to public education presentations, had been cancelled due to widespread flu activity in the region.
Nick Senuta, Director of Emergency Preparedness at Backus, said there has been a downward trend in flu activity. Since Nov. 8, the Emergency Department had seen 188 patients with flu-like symptoms – 106 adults and 82 children.
Sundays have typically been the busiest days. The Emergency Department peaked with 35 patients seen for influenza-like illness on Sunday, Nov. 1. On Sunday, Nov. 8, there were 26 flu patients and on Sunday, Nov. 15 there were 16 flu patients. The ED has had no more than 12 flu patients since, and on Monday, Nov. 23, had only four.
While most patients with flu-like symptoms are sent home, some have been admitted to the hospital, but there have been no deaths.
Experts say the downward trend is good news, but there remains a chance that H1N1 will re-emerge, and there are conflicting accounts about whether H1N1 activity will replace the seasonal flu this year or whether the seasonal flu will hit later this winter. At least one person has tested positive for seasonal flu recently at Backus.
Because flu activity is not over, visitor restrictions remain in effect at the hospital.
In the Birthing Center, visitation is restricted to two grandparents and two adult birthing coaches.
Visitors to other patients must be 18 or older, and be free of flu symptoms, such as fever, cough or sore throat.
For the latest information on the flu, visit www.backushospital.org/flu.