2009 H1N1 (Swine) Flu

Information for Patients and Visitors

Saint Agnes has had no confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza for quite some time and we are seeing very low to no cases of Influenza Like Illness (ILI). Therefore, we have decided to remove the visitor restrictions limiting visitors under age 18, and are returning to our published visitor policy.

October through May are historically “seasonal flu” months, so proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette are still important to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza (“flu”) for your patients, you, and your family:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you have no tissue, the best thing to do is sneeze or cough in the crook of your arm. Throw tissues in the trash after you use them. Follow both methods by cleaning your hands with alcohol gel or foam or hand-washing at the sink with soap and water for a minimum scrub time of 15 seconds.
Wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Influenza germs can spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with people who are coughing and sneezing.
If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them with your respiratory secretions.

What is the 2009 H1N1 (Swine) flu?

H1N1 influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a type A influenza virus. It is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. You could become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes—which is why good hand washing is so important.

What are the signs and symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu?

They may include fever over 100° with cough or sore throat, body aches, runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, headache, chills, and fatigue. (Not everyone with the flu will have a fever.)

What should I do if I get sick?

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms this flu season, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. Most people with 2009 H1N1 flu have had a mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral medicines. If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, you should talk to your health care provider about whether you need to be examined. It should not be necessary to go to an emergency room unless you demonstrate some of the “emergency warning signs” that are listed below:

Warning signs that need urgent medical attention:

In children:
- Fast or troubled breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve, then return with fever and cough
In adults:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting

Do I need to go the emergency room if I am only a little sick?

No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness (above), you should go to the emergency room. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice. If you go to the emergency room and you are not sick with the flu, you may catch it from people who have it.

How long should I stay home if I’m sick?

CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other things you have to do and no one else can do for you. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®.) You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.

What can I do to protect myself from getting the flu?

A vaccine to protect against H1N1 flu is coming later this fall. In the meantime, there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs. Take these steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Then wash your hands.
Wash your hands often!
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Influenza germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

More information

More information is available from the CDC at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu and from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at www.flu.maryland.gov.

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