Information on Swine Flu (H1N1) from Memorial Hospital of Union County
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
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 any medical leads within 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.
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
The CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. What is not completely clear, however, is how easily the virus spreads between people.
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and loss of appetite. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people infected with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Children, especially younger children, potentially can be contagious for longer periods.
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Yes. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of being contaminated from these common surfaces.
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands with soap and warm water that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. Singing the happy birthday song through twice takes about 15-20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
If you have traveled to any of the areas with reported cases of swine influenza and within seven days of your return become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you should contact their primary care provider immediately. Your primary care provider will help you determine whether influenza testing or 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.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
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
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
Global health officials have indicated that this is serious situation and has the potential to spread. Stay informed by turning to reliable news sources. It is a good time for families, businesses and organizations to follow good public health practices and to review and update their preparedness plans. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. Stocking extra food, water and supplies at home will reduce the need to go out should this swine flu strain become more widespread and schools or businesses temporarily close. Recommendations include storing
- a two-week supply of food including formula for infants and food for special nutritional needs
- household necessities such as laundry detergent and toilet paper as well as facemasks and alcohol-based hand rubs
- a gallon of water per person per day stored in clean plastic containers
- essential medicines and medical items
- extra food for pets
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Union County Health Department
The Ohio Department of Health |
Mar 11, 2010