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Learn more about H1N1
H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus infecting people around the world. This new virus first was detected in the United States in April. This virus, which is separate from seasonal influenza viruses, is spreading from person- to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. Most people who have been sick to date have recovered without needing medical treatment.
Symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever of 100.4 degrees or greater, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and muscle aches and fatigue . 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.
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
Help Us Protect Our Patients
If you're planning to visit a patient at St. Clare Medical Center or one ouf our facilities: Please rest at home if you have a fever, symptoms of respiratory illness or are feeling ill.
To our patients: If you have a fever or symptoms of respiratory illness, immediately inform reception or health care staff. You will be asked to wear a mask to protect others.
What is St. Clare Medical Center doing?
St. Clare Medical Center, as always, follows standard precautions for treating and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. We are asking medical staff to implement our hospital’s isolation procedures if they encounter a patient who is manifesting symptoms consistent with H1N1. Any staff member encountering those patients would be required to take "droplet" precautions; that is the wearing of masks, including the fitted respiration mask (N95). In outpatient common and waiting areas, there are ample supplies of masks, hand-sanitizing gels and disposable facial tissues. Certainly, these are not all new actions. St. Clare is always prepared to deal with public health concerns; however, the recent H1N1 situation reminds us to be extra vigilant.
Get your questions answered:
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has created a call center to answer general questions from Indiana residents. Residents may call (877) 826-0011 from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note, this hotline is NOT intended for the public to ask medical advice about symptoms. Call your health care provider if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
The information on this page is based on tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site, cdc.gov/h1n1 that was available in early September 2009. Please note that the H1N1 situation is rapidly changing, and this page is intended for an initial understanding of the disease and how you can care for you and your loved ones. |