In response to a new strain of influenza that has appeared in Mexico and numerous other locations* including several provinces in Canada, Toronto Rehab is reinforcing our infection control measures.

To protect Toronto Rehab patients, visitors, volunteers, staff and students:

Do not enter the hospital if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, including high fever, headache, eye pain, shortness of breath and extreme fatigue, and have visited Mexico or other affected areas* or been in contact with someone who has been in these areas in the past 14 days. Please see your health care provider.

Patients and visitors:

- If you have these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

- Do not visit Toronto Rehab until you have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours

Staff:

All employees who have been to Mexico in the last 14 days must contact Occupational Health and Safety for assessment before returning to work. Employees who have influenza-like illnesses and have recently been to Mexico should not report to work for at least seven days, or longer if symptoms persist.  Call the automated absence reporting system at 416-214-2725 to report your illness. You must be symptom-free for at least 48 hours before returning to work.

Over the weekend, staff who have just returned from Mexico, or visited Mexico in the last 14 days and begin to develop symptoms should contact Lynn Bullock, Manager of Occupational Health and Safety at 416-716-4059.  If you plan to visit Mexico, please contact Occupational Health and Safety before leaving, upon your return to Canada and before reporting to work as per our protocol.

Students and volunteers:

If you are feeling unwell, contact Occupational Health and Safety immediately.

Everyone is reminded that proper hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of infection. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently while in the hospital. Hand hygiene stations can be found at all entrances and throughout all hospital sites.

*For an up-to-date list of affected areas, visit www.who.int and click on the most recent “Situation Update.”