Swine Flu Update

St. Vincent’s Health System is closely monitoring the swine flu (H1N1) outbreak and is prepared to treat patients. The swine flu appears to be very much like the seasonal flu. Below are some reminders of what you can do to stay healthy:

1. Stay informed. Listen to the local news. The best website for current information is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

2. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

3. Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
a. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
b. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Wash your hands after shaking hands or touching personal items of others.
c. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
d. Stay home if you get sick. The CDC recommends you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

4. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.

5. Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, face masks, alcohol-based hand rubs, and other essential supplies.

6. Get medical care right away if you develop:
a. difficulty breathing or chest pain
b. purple or blue discoloration of the lips
c. vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
d. signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
e. seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
f. less responsive than normal or become confused

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