| Macon County General Hospital Working for Your Better Health |
| Macon County General Hospital Working for Your Better Health |
Page 2 - Visitation Restrictions Effective 09/11/2009
Page 3 - Patient and Visitor Recommendations Regarding the Flu
Hospital H1N1 Flu Update
News coverage about the H1N1 flu may have you worried, but there's no need to panic. Learn how to keep your family
safe! As of this date, September 21, 2009, the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza like illness was above the
national baseline. Twenty-one states reported geographically widespread influenza activity which includes the State of
Tennessee. The 2009-10 influenza season officially begins October 4, 2009.
The Tennessee Department of Health is partnering with the Tennessee Poison Center to provide a free Flu Information
Line for all Tennessee residents. The number is 1-877-252-3432. Information will be available weekdays from 11:00 a.m.
to 7:00 p.m. The time may be varied according to the number of calls received. Information will be available for English and
non-English speakers.
What's a Pandemic?
You've probably heard people talk about H1N1 flu "pandemic." A pandemic doesn't mean a disease causes severe illness
in most people who get it. When health experts say a disease is pandemic, this means it has spread widely around the
world so lots of people could become infected.
Health officials declare a pandemic as a way to put medical services on alert. That way, they're prepared with enough staff
and medication in case large numbers of people need care at the same time.
In the past, some pandemics have caused lots of people to get seriously ill, while other have not. It's too early to tell how
dangerous this outbreak of H1N1 flu might be.
How Do People Get It?
H1N1 influenza spreads the same way that other flu viruses do - through the air when a person who has the virus sneezes,
coughs or speaks. People also can catch the virus after touching an object that someone with the virus sneezed or
coughed on.
As with other flu viruses, people who have the virus can be contagious a day or so before their symptoms start, so they can
pass it on before they even know they're sick.
You might have heard that flu epidemics often start in schools. If health authorities become concerned that a flu outbreak
is possible, they may close schools as a precaution to help slow the spread of the infection.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the seasonal flu symptoms. A person with H1N1 flu may notice:
Some people with H1N1 flu might have diarrhea or vomiting.
What If I Think I Have the Flu?
If you think you have the flu, call your doctor. It's especially important to see a doctor if you have trouble breathing
or your flu symptoms seem to get better, then return.
Other things you should do are:
Medicines used to treat seasonal flu may help make H1N1 flu symptoms milder and help people feel better sooner.
How Can I Protect Myself?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you take the following precautions against H1N1
flu:
Of course, people sneeze and cough for reasons other than H1N1 flu - like if they have allergies, for example. Try not to
worry. The best thing you can do is take the precautions above. If you're concerned about a flu outbreak at school, talk to
teachers or your school nurse.
Hand Washing
Was your hands with plenty of soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. Wash your hands frequently during the day,
especially in these situations:
The H1N1 Flu Vaccine
The H1N1 flu vaccine is different from the regular flu shot. It will be available in the United Stated this fall - possibly in
October. In most cases, the H1N1 flu vaccine will be given in two doses, so people will need to go back for a follow-up shot
three weeks after the first. It takes a couple of weeks after the second shot for a person to build up immunity.
Why get vaccinated? H1N1 flu has affected children and teens more than seasonal flu does. There's also a
chance the virus could mutate and become stronger this winter. So experts recommend that all children and
teens get the vaccine when it becomes available.
Please Note: All information contained herein is for educational purposes only.
For specific medical advice, diagnoses and treatment, please consult your doctor.
Page 3 - Patient and Visitor Recommendations Regarding the Flu
Hospital H1N1 Flu Update
News coverage about the H1N1 flu may have you worried, but there's no need to panic. Learn how to keep your family
safe! As of this date, September 21, 2009, the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza like illness was above the
national baseline. Twenty-one states reported geographically widespread influenza activity which includes the State of
Tennessee. The 2009-10 influenza season officially begins October 4, 2009.
The Tennessee Department of Health is partnering with the Tennessee Poison Center to provide a free Flu Information
Line for all Tennessee residents. The number is 1-877-252-3432. Information will be available weekdays from 11:00 a.m.
to 7:00 p.m. The time may be varied according to the number of calls received. Information will be available for English and
non-English speakers.
What's a Pandemic?
You've probably heard people talk about H1N1 flu "pandemic." A pandemic doesn't mean a disease causes severe illness
in most people who get it. When health experts say a disease is pandemic, this means it has spread widely around the
world so lots of people could become infected.
Health officials declare a pandemic as a way to put medical services on alert. That way, they're prepared with enough staff
and medication in case large numbers of people need care at the same time.
In the past, some pandemics have caused lots of people to get seriously ill, while other have not. It's too early to tell how
dangerous this outbreak of H1N1 flu might be.
How Do People Get It?
H1N1 influenza spreads the same way that other flu viruses do - through the air when a person who has the virus sneezes,
coughs or speaks. People also can catch the virus after touching an object that someone with the virus sneezed or
coughed on.
As with other flu viruses, people who have the virus can be contagious a day or so before their symptoms start, so they can
pass it on before they even know they're sick.
You might have heard that flu epidemics often start in schools. If health authorities become concerned that a flu outbreak
is possible, they may close schools as a precaution to help slow the spread of the infection.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the seasonal flu symptoms. A person with H1N1 flu may notice:
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- runny nose
- body aches
- headaches
- tiredness
Some people with H1N1 flu might have diarrhea or vomiting.
What If I Think I Have the Flu?
If you think you have the flu, call your doctor. It's especially important to see a doctor if you have trouble breathing
or your flu symptoms seem to get better, then return.
Other things you should do are:
- Drink lots of liquids, especially if you are throwing up or have diarrhea.
- Stay home as long as your doctor recommends.
- Limit contact with other people to help prevent the spread of illness.
- Cough or sneeze into tissues instead of your hands.
- If you have asthma, make sure you follow your asthma management plan to keep it under control.
Medicines used to treat seasonal flu may help make H1N1 flu symptoms milder and help people feel better sooner.
How Can I Protect Myself?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you take the following precautions against H1N1
flu:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer - particularly before eating.
- Avoid touching your eyes and mouth.
- Avoid being around people who are sick and be sure to wash your hands if you touch anything someone who seems
sick might have touched. - Get two H1N1 flu shots when they become available this fall.
Of course, people sneeze and cough for reasons other than H1N1 flu - like if they have allergies, for example. Try not to
worry. The best thing you can do is take the precautions above. If you're concerned about a flu outbreak at school, talk to
teachers or your school nurse.
Hand Washing
Was your hands with plenty of soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. Wash your hands frequently during the day,
especially in these situations:
- after couging, sneezing or blowing your nose (it's also a good idea to keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer nearby
to use immediately afterward) - after using the bathroom
- before preparing food and eating
- after being around people who are sneezing, coughing, feverish or sick
- after gym or PE
- after visiting a movie theater, restaurant, or other places where lots of people gather (it can also help to carry an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use on the go) - when you get home from school - especially if you live with babies or elderly people.
- developing good hand washing habits now will give you a lifetime of protection from flu and other illnesses.
The H1N1 Flu Vaccine
The H1N1 flu vaccine is different from the regular flu shot. It will be available in the United Stated this fall - possibly in
October. In most cases, the H1N1 flu vaccine will be given in two doses, so people will need to go back for a follow-up shot
three weeks after the first. It takes a couple of weeks after the second shot for a person to build up immunity.
Why get vaccinated? H1N1 flu has affected children and teens more than seasonal flu does. There's also a
chance the virus could mutate and become stronger this winter. So experts recommend that all children and
teens get the vaccine when it becomes available.
Please Note: All information contained herein is for educational purposes only.
For specific medical advice, diagnoses and treatment, please consult your doctor.