Think you have H1N1 Flu?
Don't rush to the Emergency Department or PromptCare
H1N1 flu is also known as the swine flu. H1N1 is just another strain of influenza. If diagnosed with H1N1, treat as you would seasonal flu.
Most people will recover from both varieties of the flu in a few days, although they may experience fatigue for several weeks.
For some people, though, flu is a much more serious illness that requires hospitalization. In extreme cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia or death.
The first line of flu prevention is to get your seasonal flu shot AND H1N1 flu vaccine.
For more information on H1N1 flu and the H1N1 vaccine, please go to http://www.flu.gov/.
Topics:
FAQ - Visitor Restriction Policy
- No visitation by anyone who is ill with any respiratory symptoms including coughing, fever, chills, headache, vomiting, sore throat, muscle aches or diarrhea.
- Children under 12 years of age will NOT be allowed to visit any inpatient that is suspected of having H1N1 influenza.
The health and safety of patients is of the utmost concern to all local hospitals. We ask that you, our patients and their family members, respect the need for hospitals to control the healthcare environment to ensure patients in our hospitals receive the highest quality care.
Q: Why was the visitor restriction policy implemented in Peoria area hospitals?
A: Due to an increase in patients with flu-like symptoms, as well as the local presence of the seasonal flu virus and the H1N1 virus, the region's hospitals have opted to implement the visitation restrictions as precautionary measures in order to protect hospital patients. Hospitals will continue to monitor the presence of seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses and reserve the right to implement additional restrictions should the health and safety of patients determine that such action is necessary.
Q: Which adults will not be permitted to visit patients in the hospitals?
A: Anyone exhibiting signs of a respiratory infection - including coughing, fever, chills, headache, vomiting, sore throat, muscle aches or diarrhea - should not expose patients and hospital employees to their symptoms due to the increased local presence of the seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses.
Q: What if I don't want to wear a mask or don't want my child to wear a mask in the emergency department or outpatient areas of the hospital?
A: Hospitals are committed to preventing the spread of germs during this year's flu season and are taking efforts to protect patients from increased exposure to the seasonal and H1N1 flu virus very seriously. If you are asked to wear a mask in the emergency department or an outpatient area, please do so to protect yourself and those around you.
Q: Our family is preparing for the death of a family member and would like our child age 12 and under to visit this individual in the hospital to say goodbye. Can any exception be made?
A: Each hospital will work with patients and their families to ensure that the final stages of a patient's life are treated with respect and sensitivity. Hospitals will help families make arrangements for a child 12 and under to visit a family member in the hospital for the last time. Each situation may require hospitals, physicians, nurses and other employees to make alternate accommodations to protect the health and safety of the patient and other patients nearby.
Symptoms of H1N1:
Symptoms of H1N1 Flu include:
Testing for the Flu:
A rapid test is available to test for flu. Unfortunately the test is not highly accurate. You can have a negative test and still have the flu. The test cannot distinguish for H1N1 flu. We are not routinely testing people for the flu at this time. Decisions about whether or not a patient has the flu are being based on symptoms.
Antiviral Drugs for Treating the Flu:
Standard antibiotics such as penicillin have no effect on the flu. Antivirus drugs such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) can help shorten the duration of flu. They do not relieve the symptoms of the flu. Tamiflu has been shown to work best if started within the first 48 hours of symptoms. The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) currently recommends treatment with Tamiflu for people who are very sick (such as people hospitalized for flu) and people with the flu who have medical conditions that make them more likely to have complications of the flu. The CDC feels that most healthy people with the flu do not need to be treated with antiviral medication.
When to stay home:
- If you suffer from flu-like symptoms including: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, the best remedy is to stay home, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Take Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen for a fever unless your doctor has told you not to.
- Do not return to work/school until you have been without a fever (without the use of medication) for more than 24 hours. If you are still using medication to keep fever away, DO NOT return to work/school.
When to call your doctor:
You should contact your doctor if you have symptoms of the flu and have conditions that may make you more likely to get flu complications. These conditions include anemia, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, neurological or neuromuscular disorders or a weakened immune system. IYou should also call if your symptoms become worse after several days.
There are some warning signs that require emergency medical treatment. For children these include:
- Rapid or difficulty breathing
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Extreme lethargy
- Not waking up
- High fever with flu-like symptoms and a rash (which may improve only to return)
- Bluish skin color
In adults, emergency warning signs include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness and confusion
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Confusion
Other effective prevention measures:
- 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 that way.
- Use disinfectants on frequently touched surfaces. Germs can also be spread when a person touches an infected surface and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose.
H1N1 Vaccine
It generally takes about 7-10 days to develop best immunity after receiving the vaccine.
Those who should receive the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it is available includes:
- pregnant women
- caregivers of infants less than 6 months old
- children 6 months - 24 years old
- people with chronic health care conditions such as asthma and diabetes
- patient care providers (nurses, doctors, techs)
Preparing your business for H1N1
View a recent H1N1 presentation on Preparing Your Business for H1N1
View Presentation Here
