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/.

 

 

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 Visitor restrictions

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.

 


FAQ - Visitor Restriction Policy

On October 23, Rockford area hospitals implemented visitation restrictions as a precautionary measure for the 2009 - 2010 flu season. These restrictions include:

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    • No visitation by anyone who is ill with any respiratory symptoms including coughing, fever, chills, headache, vomiting, sore throat, muscle aches or diarrhea.

The health and safety of patients are 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: 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.

 

Symptoms of H1N1:

Symptoms of H1N1 Flu include:


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:

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)