H1N1 (formally known as Swine Flu) Notice
Most people who have been sick with H1N1 in the United States have recovered at home without treatment.
If you or your children have flu-like symptoms please keep the sick person at home for seven days or until 24 hours after symptoms resolve, unless given other instructions by your physician, pediatrician, or their staff. If you have a cough, fever or body aches, please wear the mask provided by the nurse. Please consider having family/friends wait at home to avoid unnecessary exposure. Remember – the best way to prevent yourself and others from getting sick is to wash your hands frequently.
Testing At St. Elizabeth Community Hospital: H1N1 testing is initiated by physicians on a case-by-case basis. Some test results may take up to 48 hours to return. If the results are positive, the patient will be notified.
Treatment: Most patients with the flu need supportive treatment, which includes fluids, pain relievers and rest. Our care team will discuss with you whether you require anti-virals, which can be effective in certain circumstances. Please realize that the majority of patients will NOT require these medications in order to recover from their illness. Please know that we are consistently responding to any suggestions that the Center for Disease Control (CDC), State Health Department and Shasta County Public Health have to help prevent and/or treat H1N1. Do not hesitate to ask your caregiver if you have any questions. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is H1N1? Many people are concerned about H1N1. The CDC has determined that H1N1 is contagious and is spreading from person-to-person, probably like the seasonal flu. The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
How does H1N1 spread? The spread of H1N1 is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu? First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try to not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? Shasta County Public Health is encouraging people to get vaccinated for H1N1 and the seasonal flu. There are some things you can do to keep you and your children healthy: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand cleaners. Avoid close contact with sick people. If you or your children get sick with a flu-like illness, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
What is respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette? Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing by using your elbow or a tissue. Wash your hands with non-antimicrobial soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic hand wash after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials.
