Surge in flu and norovirus cases creates space crunch at local hospitals
Posted Jan 9, 2013 7:23 am.
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On its website, Alberta Health Services describes flu activity as widespread; not only in Calgary but in Edmonton as well.
The Calgary Herald reports a rise in flu patients has produced a bed shortage at local hospitals and also forced the cancellation of a number of elective surgeries.
Dr. Peter Jamieson, the medical director at Foothills Hospital, says all hands are on deck; some patients are even being returned to their home as soon as their condition stabilizes.
Additional hospice and care beds are also being opened up.
With the flu season slated to run through May, those who did not get a flu shot are being urged to get one as soon as possible.
Complicating matters are recent norovirus outbreaks, with outbreak precautions now in effect at all of Calgary’s long-term care facilities.
The federal government is also getting involved, releasing some of its emergency stockpile of the antiviral flu drug Tamiflu.
