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H1N1 and Seasonal Flu
The flu is a serious contagious disease, and we recommend a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu. Pregnant women, young children and their caregivers, and those with pre-existing medical conditions have a higher risk of having the flu. A seasonal vaccine, however, will not protect you against novel H1N1 (Swine) Flu. The H1N1 vaccine is highly recommended, and will be available in November 2009. Learn more about the H1N1 vaccine >> Hospital Visitation PolicyAnyone with flu-like symptoms should not come to the hospital unless absolutely necessary or for their own care. We are asking that children younger than 16 years of age refrain from all routine hospital visits. St. Francis is offering respiratory masks and hand sanitizing gels at all hospital emergency departments; special precautions are being taken at all critical areas throughout all facilities of the Health System.How can I protect myself and my family?
What are flu-like symptoms?
Flu-like symptoms come suddenly, and can include: fever, cough, sore throat, body
aches, headaches, chills
and fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.
What should I do if I get sick?
If sick with flu-like symptoms, it is important to stay home and limit contact
with others to avoid spread of infection. Call
your primary care provider, and he/she will decide if you need to be treated.
If you have had close contact with someone with the Flu/H1N1 or being treated for exposure to the Flu/H1N1, contact your doctor to discuss whether you need treatment to reduce your chances of getting the flu. How is the flu treated?Contact your doctor to see if you need antiviral drugs -- antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu® fight
against the flu by keeping the germs from
growing in your body. These medicines can make you feel better faster and make
your symptoms milder. Antiviral drugs work best when started soon after symptoms
begin (within 2 days). Secondly,
drink plenty of fluids.
When should I get emergency medical care?Please seek emergency care if you exhibit any of the following symptoms: difficulty
breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden
dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, and/or a high fever that
is not responding to Tylenol. Directions to Emergency Room >> As a nursing mother, how do I protect my baby?Flu can very serious in young babies. Be careful not to cough or sneeze in your baby’s face, wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand gel. Your doctor might ask you to wear a mask to keep from spreading the flu to your baby.You can continue to breastfeed your baby if you are sick and being treated for the flu. Babies who are breastfed do not get as sick and are sick less often from the flu, than do babies who are not breastfed. Breast milk passes on antibodies from the mother to a baby, and antibodies help fight off infection. If you are too sick to breastfeed, pump and have someone give the expressed milk to your baby. If you have questions, contact your doctor or your St. Francis Lactation Consultant. What should I know about the Seasonal and H1N1 vaccines?The flu is a serious contagious disease, and we recommend a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu.From the SC Hospital Association: The first round of the H1N1 vaccine expected to arrive in South Carolina in the coming week will be in the form of nasal spray. People who should get the nasal spray form of the vaccine include:
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