Stratford General Hospital has declared an influenza outbreak on the Medicine Unit.
The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance said Monday afternoon that three patients on the unit have tested positive for influenza.
"In response to the outbreak we are working closely with Huron Perth Public Health," said infection control practitioner Larry Morrell, in a news release. "We have closed the unit to admissions, restricted visitors to two per patient and put some limitations on staffing for the unit."
All of the affected patients are being offered the antiviral medication Tamiflu.
People visiting a patient on the unit are asked to wash their hands frequently. Any visitors not feeling well are asked to refrain from visiting the hospital until they are feeling better.
Morrell said there is a number of things people can do to stop the spread of influenza in the community.
"Get a flu shot, which is still available from your family doctor and local pharmacies; wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer; if you are not feeling well please stay home and rest; keep commonly touched surfaces clean and cough or sneeze into your sleeve."
Influenza vaccination rates for staff, physicians and students at the HPHA are said to be at 87 per cent.
The health alliance said more updates will be made available as information changes.
