The H1N1 flu is putting a damper on Halloween plans at a Butte hospital.
St. James Healthcare announced Wednesday that its annual Halloween party, Trick or Treat Street, is canceled due to the illness.
"With the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza, we implemented visitor restrictions at the hospital to protect the health and safety of our patients, employees, and the public, so cancellation of our Halloween event was necessary," Kevin Dennehy, St. James' Vice President of Strategy and Business Development said in a press release. "We are disappointed because we know the community looks forward to "Trick or Treat Street."
St. James Healthcare is planning to make a monetary contribution to the Teens Advocating for a Safer Community (TASC) for its community-wide Halloween party at the Front Street Station as a way to contribute to the community for Halloween.
The Butte area has been hit hard by the flu in the last few weeks with schools reporting a significant increase of students out sick.
Last week, St. James Healthcare announced it was implementing visitor restrictions to protect patients. According to the restrictions, all children ages 14 and under are not allowed to visit patients, because the virus has affected that age group the most. Hospital officials also say only two people can visit at one time after passing a health screening at the main entrance on Porphery Street. Officials say the flu virus would severely compromise patient recovery.
Meanwhile, the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department will hold an H1N1 nasal spray vaccine clinic on Thursday, Oct. 15 at the at Butte Silver Bow Health Department at 25 West Front Street. It will run from 6 to 9 p.m. or until supplies last. The clinic will operate on a first come, first serve basis. Those attending should enter at the west entrance.
The nasal spray vaccine will be given only to a targeted group, which includes people ages 2 to 24 and people 25 to 49 who live with or care for infants under six months of age.
The health department advises that anyone who is moderately or severely ill will be instructed to wait before getting this vaccine.
As for the regular seasonal flu, the vaccine is now available in Silver Bow County. There will be a flu shot clinic from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the Butte Civic Center. Anyone six months of age or older can get the shot for a $20 fee. There is a sliding scale for children. No H1N1 vaccine will be available at the seasonal flu clinic.
