Flu - H1N1 & Seasonal Information
New Temporary Hospital Visitation Policy to Protect You and Our PatientsDue to a rapid rise in H1N1 Influence in our community, OU Medical Center has temporarily changed its hospital visitation policy.
The policy change is being made to help protect our patients, visitors and staff by preventing the spread of the H1N1 flu ("swine flu"). The numbers of patients visiting the Emergency Departments (OU Medical Center and Children's Hospital) have increased significantly over the past few weeks with a large percentage with flu-like symptoms |
OU Medical Center wants you to know more about the H1N1 Flu. Please share this information with your family and friends.
- Tips for Staying Healthy
- How viruses jump from animal to animal
- H1N1 Guide for Parents
- 3 Steps to Prevent the Flu
Commonly Asked Questions
What is H1N1 Flu?
The name "swine" flu has led to some misperceptions. The name was given because laboratory tests suggested that the genes in this new virus were similar to those in viruses that occur in pigs, but the virus also has some genetic fingerprints from birds and humans.
Contrary to what some people believe, you cannot get this flu by eating pork or any other food. And the virus has not been found in any pigs in this country.
The H1N1 flu, as it is properly called, is like regular seasonal flu in that it is spread through the air or by direct contact with a person who has been infected.
What are the symptoms of H1N1?
Symptoms are similar to those of a standard, seasonal flu:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Body Aches
- Headaches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Difficulty Breathing
- Some cases have also included reports of vomiting or diarrhea
What should I do if I feel sick?
If you suspect H1N1Influenza Virus, call your doctor. People with ordinary flu symptoms don't need to seek emergency care.
Seek urgent medical help for children when flu symptoms also include difficulty breathing, bluish skin color, fever with rash and symptoms that begin to improve then return with fever and a worse cough.
In adults, serious warning signs include difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, dizziness, confusion and persistent vomiting.
Treatment for H1N1: Can it be treated with drugs?
Two drugs, sold under the brand names Tamiflu and Relenza, may reduce the H1N1 flu's severity and duration. Most U.S. patients have recovered without the drugs.
Both of these medications have also been approved to reduce the risk of contracting the seasonal flu. But, unlike a vaccine, they don't provide long-lasting protection. So their preventive use is limited to certain, narrow circumstances. The two drugs, which are included in the federal government's pandemic stockpile, are available only with a doctor's prescription.
Does my flu shot protect against H1N1?
The CDC says the seasonal flu vaccine is "unlikely to provide protection" against this flu. The agency has created a vaccine tailored to H1N1. It should be available in mid-October and is recommended for those in the higher risk categories.
Those people inlcude:
- pregnant women
- people who live with and care for children under six months
- health care workers and emergency service staff
- children between six and 18
- people with chronic illnesses
Are there ways to reduce the spread of H1N1?
Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid close contact with infected people. People who have mild symptoms should stay home until 48 hours after the symptoms have passed to avoid spreading the disease.
Additional Infection Control and Prevention
Persons with H1N1 Flu infection should be considered potentially contagious for up to seven days following illness onset. Persons who continue to be ill longer than seven days after illness onset should be considered potentially contagious until symptoms have resolved.
Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. The duration of infectiousness might vary by H1N1 Flu strain.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has set up a phone bank for persons with questions about this flu. The toll-free number is 1-866-278-7134. Phones will be answered from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Hours may be expanded as necessary.
Additional information on swine influenza is available by visiting the OSDH Web site at http://www.health.ok.gov/ and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention swine flu Web site at www.cdc.gov/swineflu. To track the outbreak, go to the Goggle Map Swine Flu Tracker or to the World Health Organization for the global response.
