While we have yet to see any cases of swine flu in our hospital, we are working very closely with local, state, and federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, to monitor for cases of swine flu and to ensure we are prepared for such an outbreak.
- Like other health care providers throughout the country we are monitoring for symptoms of influenza like illnesses and taking necessary precautions to limit exposures.
- If you are experiencing fever, cough and/or sore throat, please stay home unless you need medical attention. Staying home limits others exposure to disease. Rest, fluids, nutrition and hand washing are your best treatment and defense.
Influenza is to spread person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people, not through food. Also, on surfaces and hands- so wash your hands frequently or use alcohol-based rubs.
- Symptoms of the swine flu are similar to seasonal flu, including fever above 100, cough and/or sore throat.
- If you get sick – a fever plus a cough and/or sore throat – the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. More information can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm or by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO.
To help prevent the infection and spread of swine flu we recommend taking simple precautions:
- 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Do not visit patients while they are in the hospital if you are ill. This includes: fever, coughing, sore throat, body aches.
If you have a loved one in the hospital, please contact them via telephone by calling our main number at 805.489.4261.
