Information on the 2009 H1N1 from Memorial Hospital of Union County

For the latest information regarding the 2009 H1N1 flu, please visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

CDC H1N1 Information

The CDC is the nation’s leader in tracking influenza disease activity. The site can provide the latest information about confirmed cases, current 2009 H1N1 activity, flu shot information, and what you can do to lower the risk for yourself and your loved one, starting with getting your flu vaccination.

What do I do if I get sick?

If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you should contact your primary care provider. Currently, specific testing for H1N1 will only be done for hospitalized patients and individuals believed to have passed away from influenza. For all other individuals, your primary care provider will help you determine whether influenza treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

What is Memorial Hospital of Union County doing in response to the 2009 H1N1 and to prepare for Pandemic Flu?

Memorial Hospital has posted signage at the entrance of its Emergency Department asking patients who are exhibiting possible signs of the flu to use a separate entrance where they will be provided a mask and assisted by the ER staff.

We continue to remind our visitors that it is best for everyone if they spend time with our patients only if the visitor is feeling well.

In our community we are blessed by a cooperative relationship between local health care entities. Memorial Hospital, the Union County Health Department, local physician offices, and local business health centers are all working closely together to identify, investigate, and follow up on best practices in combating both the seasonal flu and H1N1 strain in our community.

Memorial Hospital has been preparing for pandemic flu for years in a cooperative effort with our local community, region and state. We have a team of leaders who meet regularly to discuss and plan for the needs of our patients and the community related to public health issues such as pandemic influenza. Many preventive measures to stop the spread of pandemic flu are the same things we promote year round; hand hygiene, covering your cough and sneezes, and staying home from work or school when you are ill. We provide hand disinfectant in various locations throughout the facility and offer friendly reminders about washing hands in public areas. Other elements included in the plan cover supply inventories, planning for staffing and coverage, and providing education to staff and physicians.

Additional Resources:

Parents Flu Guide

Remember the 3 C's

The Union County Health Department

The Ohio Department of Health