Kamloops seniors homes take precautions following flu outbreak

“If family are insistent in coming in we do follow the influenza control program recommendations.Those who are not immunized wear a mask during their visit, we also provide personal protective equipment [such as] gowns, and gloves for residents who are symptomatic with family that want to visit in their suites,” said Askeland.

Askeland says outbreak precautions are expected to be lifted by 5 p.m. tomorrow.

There have been 11 suspected flu-related deaths in the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap region.

Pamela de Bruin, Manager of Communicable Diseases and Immunization with Interior Health says outbreaks like this are fairly typical at this time of year, after people have been socializing during the holidays.

“It is not unusual for influenza to become more prevalent. The number of infections seems to amplify over the holiday season given the greater social mixing that occurs with festivities this time of year,” stated de Bruin.

by Jill Sperling / Vanessa Ybarra

Kamloops seniors homes take precautions following flu outbreak

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