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.

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 www.flu.gov.

Visitation restrictions

In light of the growing numbers of H1N1 influenza cases in the Rock River Region, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Rockford Health System and SwedishAmerican Health System are restricting the age of visitors to their facilities.

Effective immediately, and until further notice, hospital visitors will be limited to those older than 12 years of age. In addition, it is strongly recommended that anyone showing flu-like symptoms please refrain from visiting patients in the hospital. There may be extenuating circumstances that warrant exceptions to this policy. Those exceptions must be cleared through the Nursing Supervisor.

Patients’ recommendations:

Ask for a mask.Wear a mask if you have flu or cold symptoms, as a patient.

Wash your hands. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

Cover your coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your upper sleeve.