Some 250 people seen at flu assessment centre since opening

NEW?GLASGOW - The Pictou County Health Authority's H1N1 Influenza Assessment Centre will remain open to treat those experiencing flu-like symptoms for the remainder of this week and into next week.
The centre will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Friday and additional hours will be advertised when confirmed.
In response to increasing visits to the Aberdeen Hospital emergency department and the increased influenza calls and visits being reported by some family doctors, the PCHA opened the influenza assessment centre in the former Convergys building, 610 East River Road, on the weekend.
More than 250 patients have been assessed at the centre since it opened.
During the H1N1 pandemic, the health authority is asking adults and children who are experiencing flu-like symptoms and wish to see a health care professional to visit the assessment centre instead of going to the hospital's emergency department. This will ease congestion at the hospital and will help prevent the spread of flu or other communicable diseases to other patients at the hospital.
Flu-like symptoms include fever and/or cough, and one or more of the following: unusual tiredness, headache, muscle or joint aches, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea in children less than five years of age.
People with symptoms in risk groups - those younger than five, pregnant women and people younger than 65 with a chronic medical condition for which they receive regular medical care - should seek early assessment.
People with severe flu-like symptoms, which may include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, severe vomiting, high fever and confusion, should call 911 or immediately go to the emergency department.
Health professionals at the centre will assess patients for flu and H1N1, and provide information and treatment, if required. The centre will not provide vaccinations for seasonal or H1N1 flu, will not swab patients to confirm H1N1 and will not offer inpatient care.
Appointments are not necessary, but people do need to bring their health card.