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With multiple cases of H1N1
confirmed across our state, Mercy Health System of Kansas officials
are taking steps to inform the public about the symptoms, prevention
and treatment of H1N1 (formerly known as Swine Flu).
The physicians and co-workers are
taking necessary precautions to prevent the unnecessary exposure of
patients at their facilities.
The symptoms of the H1N1 virus are
similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever greater
than 100 degrees, body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory
congestion and in some cases, diarrhea and vomiting.
Individuals who experience the
symptoms of H1N1 should contact their healthcare provider, who will
determine whether testing or treatment is needed. These individuals
are strongly encouraged to wear a mask or ask for a mask upon
arrival to the healthcare facility. Pregnant women are especially
susceptible to the virus and therefore are requested to take the
same measures as those individuals with flu-like symptoms by wearing
a mask while at a healthcare facility.
When making the initial call to the
healthcare provider, the patient is encouraged to inform the office
staff of his or her symptoms.
Designated waiting areas for those
with H1N1 symptoms have been created in the Mercy Physician Group
clinics and in the hospitals.
There is no vaccine available to
protect against the pandemic H1N1 virus, but there are treatments
that can shorten the course of the illness in severe cases, once the
infection is diagnosed.
As with any influenza virus,
individuals are encouraged to take the following steps to reduce
spread: 1) Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid
touching your eyes, nose and mouth; 2) Stay home when you are sick
to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends; 3) Cough or
sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used
items; 4) Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of
water and getting adequate rest and exercise.
Other suggestions to deter the spread
of the virus are to regularly clean commonly touched surfaces such
as handrails and doorknobs; avoid over-crowded conditions; get
plenty of fresh air; stock all sinks and restrooms with soap and
paper towels; place boxes of tissues and waste containers for used
tissues throughout the home or work place; and make a plan to
separate those individuals with flu-like symptoms from the general
public and supervise them until able to go home or receive medical
attention.
The Kansas Department of Health and
Environment (KDHE) and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) recommend that people who have flu-like symptoms
remain at home and separated away from others until at least 24
hours after they are free of fever or signs of a fever, without the
use of fever-reducing medications. A fever is defined as 100 degrees
Fahrenheit (37.8 C) or higher.
Learn more about H1N1 |
