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Unnecessary visits discouraged

Doctors, clinics bracing for influx of influenza patients

By: Jen Skerritt

7/11/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 14

Family doctors are extending prescriptions and encouraging Manitobans who aren't sick to stay away from clinic waiting rooms that could soon fill up with flu patients in need of antivirals.

Across the country, family doctors are bracing to see three times as many patients sick with influenza than they normally would in a typical year.

Dr. Fran Berard, president of the Manitoba College of Family Physicians, said that's why physicians across the province are telling their patients not to come in unless they really need to. She said many family doctors are writing extra doses of prescriptions over the phone or have asked patients to phone their pharmacy to extend prescriptions, as long as they aren't narcotics.

Many clinics encourage people with flu symptoms to put on a mask, Berard said, and keep a one- to two-metre distance from others.

"If you're not well, fine, come in. But if you're well, we're trying to avoid unnecessary visits," Berard said.

Health officials expect the number of people sick with H1N1 to increase in the coming weeks as the second wave of influenza enters its peak. People who are at high risk of severe illness with any ordinary symptoms of influenza -- including fever, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, and nausea -- should see a family doctor within 24 to 48 hours to receive antivirals that can prevent symptoms from worsening.

Tamiflu and other antivirals are only available with a doctor's prescription, so high-risk Manitobans will need to visit their family doctor or a walk-in clinic for the medication.

"You should go early to get assessed because you may need Tamiflu or another antiviral to prevent a more serious illness," said Dr. Sande Harlos, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority's medical officer of health.

Harlos said the second wave of H1N1 hasn't reached its peak yet, and there are contingency plans should there be an increased demand for antivirals. She said clinics will extend hours and family doctors will take on extra patients with flu symptoms in the event there is a flood of patients at walk-ins.

If the situation worsens, primary health centres will set up areas designated for patients with flu symptoms to see a doctor and get the antivirals.

No one knows for certain when the number of H1N1 cases could reach its peak, which is why health officials urge people at high risk of severe illness to get the vaccine as soon as possible.

On Thursday, provincial officials confirmed the first suspected flu death this season is under review, and that the number of cases of severe respiratory illnesses in intensive care units is on the rise. Since Oct. 8, 20 people have been hospitalized for severe respiratory illness, including one lab-confirmed case of severe H1N1.

Health officials expect most, if not all, of the severe cases will turn out to be H1N1. Officials are still trying to determine how many severely ill patients received the H1N1 vaccine.

It can take between a week and two weeks for body to build up immunity to the flu, but Harlos said it's hard to say whether the peak will hit before people are able to build up an immunity to H1N1. However, she said the body starts to build antibodies to ward off influenza after a couple of days, so it's never too late to get the vaccine.

jen.skerritt@freepress.mb.ca

Clinics reopen Nov. 12

Twelve city vaccination clinics are closed until Thursday, Nov. 12. The province expects another shipment of vaccine doses Wednesday, and clinics will reopen the next morning to vaccinate those on the priority list against H1N1.

On Friday, 4,763 people received the H1N1 vaccination at Winnipeg Regional Health Authority clinics, raising the cumulative total to 99,136 since the start of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Winnipeggers are asked to avoid unnecessary visits to emergency rooms.

On Friday, Children's Hospital ER saw a large number of children present with flu-like illnesses -- more than half of all patients. Everyone who goes into Children's emergency will be offered a mask to protect themselves or prevent them from spreading an infection to others.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 7, 2009 A4

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14 Commentscomment icon

@ohreally. "What the h***? As opposed to what? Dropping in to say hi and read 4 year old magazines???"

I'm so glad to know that you and your family are very healthy and none of them suffer from a chronic illness.

In case you're interested... some of us regularly visit our health care providers on a routine basis to monitor chronic conditions and many medications.

This past September I asked my Dr. to provide me with a 6-month supply of medications so I could avoid the waiting room until spring. Fortunately for me, my meds have been stable for the past 5 years and even though it is policy to only prescribe for 3 months at a time, I was able to get my 6-month supply.

Thus I am able to avoid an "unnecessary" visit this December.

The priority lists are unfair. Why should a drug addict or alcohol abuser be granted the rationed vaccines ahead of an asthmatic teenager? Or a hard working, blue collar retiree who just started receiving his pension? It all boils down to dollars and no sense!
Worried about the burdern on the health care system. I'm surprised that human rights board hasn't received complaints!

What a bunch of crap! The doctors don't seem to want to see you. And health links just reads off the internet anyway. I know because I was reading the same site at the same time it was being read to me over the phone! I don't qualify to get the shot, and I don't have sick days at work. Lost time is lost wages. My kid has been sick for almost a week, can't go to school and the dad is away from home for work. In other words, I'm a married single parent most of the time. Some people are definitely going to fall thru the cracks. Does this count as compassion care for EI? And what about the self-employed? Everybody everywhere everyday will be affected in some way.

Wow! I can not believe all the negativity!

I'm glad I went and had myself and my children done. It's a dead virus. How many of you take a multi-vitamin everyday? Do you know why you take it? You take it because all the different vitamins help to build your immunity. For instance, Vitamin C...don't you take it when you get a cold? I do. So what's the difference between that and an H1N1 shot?

To me, and almost 100,000 other Manitobans the shot is a life insurance policy.

@ Karen -- Oh really?! Because of all the times I've called, only once was it suggested that I get an appointment to be seen by a doctor, and I have never been told to go to an ER.

@ ohreally...
Most dr offices got rid of all the magazines. a nice sign posted stating because of H1N1..I am surprised they are not handing out masks as you come in..oh wait, they are.

Don't bother calling Health Links. Anytime one calls Health Links, their response is to go to the nearest emergency department.

If the media would stop freaking people out over this H1N1, maybe they wouldn't rush to the hospital when they have the sniffles!

This is reading like a storybook to one of you.

Simple fits well into your scheme of things.

Another vague comment by an NWO theorist with a collection of conspiratory correlations.

Is the novel too complex for you?

Why is there no mention of calling Health Links??? Wouldn't it make sense to suggest that if you are feeling sick that you can call Health Links and they can help you determine if you should see a doctor. If more people would do that instead of running to the doctor or ER at the first cough or sniffle, it would help immensely!

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