SSM Readies for H1N1 Flu

H1N1 Influenza Virus, photo by CDC Influenza Laboratory

(Updated May 8, 2009) SSM Health Care's hospitals and other entities are preparing to handle any cases of H1N1 (swine flu). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared a public health emergency April 26. The outbreak had officially spread to 41 states (896 cases) and 24 countries (2,384 cases) as of May 7.

SSM is in contact with the CDC to ensure each hospital has the right medicine on hand and staff are immediately prepared to take care of and to report to state and national officials any patients who may be affected by it. Tamiflu and Relenza relieve the symptoms of swine flu and moderate the disease. SSM owns, manages and is affiliated with 20 hospitals in Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and Oklahoma.

There is currently no vaccination for this strain, H1N1 Flu.

“Every SSM Health Care facility has an emergency preparedness team that is in place and ready to respond to emergency situations such as this swine flu situation,” said Dr. Andy Kosseff, SSM medical director of system clinical improvement. “These teams work with their city and state health officials to ensure a rapid response to emergencies of any kind, including pandemics.”

For more information about the swine flu virus, please visit the CDC Web site. CDC updates in Espanol. News briefing from CDC.

What to do if you get flu-like symptoms

Additional resources

pandemicflu.gov. -- one-stop resource for government sites

American Red Cross, St. Louis Chapter -- resource for how to prepare for a pandemic in your household. Planning checklists in various languages

SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center -- includes how to talk to children about swine flu

A.D.A.M. -- online health information service subscribed to by SSM Health Care; includes information on causes, symptoms, testing, treatment and prevention

State health departments
Wisconsin
Illinois
Missouri
Oklahoma

World Health Organization -- WHO is coordinating the global response to human cases of influenza A(H1N1) and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic.

H1N1 Flu Q & As (Sources CDC, American Red Cross; pandemicflu.gov)

What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.

What's a pandemic flu?
A virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak. Other flu terms defined.

What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza: fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

How does swine flu spread?
Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur, mainly through coughing or sneezing by people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How is swine influenza diagnosed?
To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first four to five days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires laboratory testing.

How is swine flu treated?
Tamiflu and Relenza relieve the symptoms of swine flu and moderate the disease. At this time, there is no vaccination for this strain.

What can I do to prevent the spread of swine flu?
Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands afterward.
Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
If you think you have the flu, stay home from work and school and avoid contact with others. Call your care provider.

More Q & As

Untitled Document