H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Information

East Jefferson General Hospital continues to work with both state and federal health agencies on all latest treatment polices and vaccine guidelines regarding the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu).  For information on the availability of the government approved H1N1 vaccine and the recommended groups to first receive the vaccine, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals websites.     

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H1N1 symptoms are very similar to the common influenza and include fever, body aches, chills, sore throat and fatigue. If left untreated, swine flu can, and has been, fatal. If you experience symptoms, it is recommended that you stay home and away from work, school or other places where you may come in close contact with others.

"Always be cautious if you start with any of these symptoms," says Carol Scioneaux, RN, and Director of Infection Control at East Jefferson General Hospital. "Immediately contact your primary care physician, especially if you experience more serious symptoms such as sudden dizziness, difficulty breathing or excessive vomiting."

Swine flu, like the common flu, is contagious and can be spread on contact or is airborne through coughing and sneezing. Many times a person touches something that contains the virus and then touches their nose, eyes or mouth. Common contaminated surfaces include doorknobs, desks or items that are frequently touched by people. Once infected with the virus, symptoms may take anywhere from one to seven days to appear. In that time, the person may begin spreading the disease before they are even aware that they have it.

To help protect against acquiring the swine flu, health care professionals say one of the first lines of defense is to practice good hand hygiene and to use and dispose of a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue is unavailable, coughing or sneezing into your elbow is advised. Hand washing can help kill germs and should be performed with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or through the use of alcohol-based gels. In addition, it is always advisable to avoid close contact with someone who has the virus and to clean areas at home and work with disinfectants.

Staying in good overall health is another important way to protect against the swine flu or any other form of the flu. Eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly and lowering stress levels will help your body fight off the virus and can help limit the severity of the flu. In addition, maintaining good health is a way to prevent severe chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer that may worsen with the flu.

Related Links

• World Health Organization

Watch our Healthy Lifestyles TV segment on H1N1