Flu 2009

Last updated 10/09/2009

Please visit the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention at

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

SEASONAL & H1N1 FLU INFORMATION

What is the flu?

Both the Flu and the Common Cold are respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. Individuals with colds are more likely to have a productive cough and a runny nose. Those with the flu will usually have a fever, a sore throat, and a cough. Flu viruses are mainly spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Individuals may be infectious to others beginning on day one (1) of his or her illness prior to feeling ill and/or prior to any symptoms being present. The infectious period can last up to seven (7) days or more after symptoms have appeared and the individual is ill.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

The symptoms of both seasonal and H1N1 flu may include any combination of the following usually with an abrupt onset and intensity.

Body Aches Chills Cough**

Diarrhea Fatigue Fever (100.4°F or 37.8° C)**

Headaches Nausea Sore Throat**

Stuffy Nose Vomiting

** These three (3) symptoms are the most common symptoms of the flu.

Most individuals do not require treatment for either seasonal or H1N1 flu. Staying at home treating the symptoms, keeping hydrated, and getting plenty of rest are all most people will need to get well. If you are ill with the flu, avoid close contact with others and stay home.

Any individual who is severely ill with the following symptoms should seek medical care.

Confusion
Dizziness
Pain or Pressure in the Chest or Abdomen
Severe or Persistent Vomiting
Shortness of Breath

Seek medical care for children with the following symptoms:

Bluish Skin Color
Fast or Troubled Breathing
Fever
Flu-Like Symptoms Improve; but, Return with Fever and Worse Cough
Irritability to the Point the Child Does Not Want to be Held
Not Drinking Enough Fluids
Not Waking Up or Interacting

Upon arrival at the physician’s office, clinic, or hospital inform the staff of your flu-like symptoms and follow the staff’s directions such as being asked to wear a mask.

Take the Self-Flu Triage Test

Group A Question

Are you over the age of 25 with complicated conditions, obesity, heart disease, lung disease including asthma, diabetes or immunosuppressed, neurological disorder, kidney disease, or pregnant?

Group B Questions

Do you have a fever greater than 100.4°?
Do you have a cough?
Do you have a sore throat?
Are you experiencing fatigue, aches, and pains?
Are you having difficulty breathing?
Are you unable to keep fluids down?
Have any of your close contacts developed flu-like symptoms recently or been diagnosed with flu recently?

Recommendations:

If you have one of the conditions listed in question 1 under Group A and answered yes to two (2) of the Group B questions:

You should be evaluated by a medical professional. Use tissue to cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Use hand sanitizer. Upon arrival at your health care provider inform them that you have flu-like symptoms and follow their directions.

If you have one of the conditions listed in question 1 under Group A and answered no to the Group B questions:

You should stay at home, rest, and drink fluids. You may use cough and cold remedies and/or pain medication. Practice good hand washing and cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing. If symptoms worsen, seek medical care or call 911 if an emergency exists.

What can I do to protect myself and family from getting the flu?

There are several preventive measures you and your family can employ to reduce and stop the spread of infection. These are simple; however, powerful in the prevention of the spread of the flu virus. We encourage you to follow these measures to protect you, your family, and others.

Wash your hands frequently using soap and water.
Use hand sanitizer to clean your hands if soap and water are not available.
Cover your cough or cough into your sleeve.
Cover your sneeze or sneeze into your sleeve.
Get a flu shot.
Do not share drinks, utensils, lip balm, or lipstick.
Avoid close contact with others when ill.
Stay home when ill.

Is SVRHC incorporating any special measures during the flu season?

Sierra Vista Regional Health Center will employ all appropriate and required precautions to protect our community from an exposure to the influenza virus.

We are committed to provide pertinent and usable information regarding this health care situation to the public.

Due to the risk of transmission of Seasonal and H1N1 influenza, SVRHC has implemented a restricted visitation policy. No one under the age of 18 may enter the hospital during the flu season unless he or she is a patient. We apologize for any inconvenience this restriction may cause you.

Should you be experiencing any flu-like symptoms, we strongly encourage you to not visit anyone in the hospital. This is requested for your safety and the safety of our patients, staff, and other visitors.

If you need to seek medical care at the Emergency Department or the Hospital, we request only one (1) person accompanies you. This helps prevent the spread of infection by reducing the number of possible exposures.

The hospital has installed “Respiratory Etiquette Stations” in the hospital for patients and visitors to utilize. These stations are equipped with alcohol hand sanitizer, tissues, and masks.

The hospital may also utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the flu season. The PPE is any type of face mask, gloves, or clothing that acts as a barrier between the infectious matter and the skin, mouth, nose, or eyes. When used properly, PPE can help prevent the spread of infection from one person to another.

For more information on the seasonal and H1N1 flu precautions, please visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov or the World Health Organization at www.who.org. If you still have questions, please call the SVRHC Emergency Department at 417-3060 or 417-4590.