Pointe Coupee General Hospital Urges Residents to Prepare for Flu Season

A great deal of information has been generated concerning the flu over the past 6 months. Staying informed regarding the flu through trusted and reliable sources is of the utmost importance. The following questions and answers will hopefully address any concerns you may have when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones during this flu season.

What is the H1N1 influenza (flu)? The H1N1 flu (previously referred to as the swine flu) is a new type of influenza which causes illness in people. This virus first appeared in individuals in the United States in April 2009. An individual can not contract H1N1 flu through eating pork or pork products. The H1N1 virus is contagious and spreads from human to human.

What are the signs and symptoms of flu in humans? The signs and symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have also reported experiencing diarrhea and vomiting.

How does the flu spread? The flu is mainly spread through cough and sneezes. An individual with the flu may cough or sneeze spraying droplets through the air into the mouths and noses of people nearby. A person with the flu may also leave the flu virus on surfaces or objects that they touch. The well person touches the surface or object that is contaminated with the flu germs, and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth thus allowing exposure to the flu virus.

How long is the person with the flu contagious? The person may be contagious beginning one day prior to the appearance of flu symptoms and up to seven days after flu symptoms appear. Children and infants may be contagious for a longer period.

How long can the flu virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

What kills the flu virus? Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time.

How can I protect myself from getting sick?

• Staying at least 6 feet away from other people when coughing or sneezing.
• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
• If you do not have a tissue available, then cough or sneeze into the sleeve of your clothing.
• Wash your hands often to protect yourself from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with an alcohol-based hand cleaner. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
• Disinfect shared objects and common areas such as countertops, telephones, etc. Common household disinfectants should be used according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not share personal items such as cosmetics or toothbrushes with others.
• Check for any health advisories when traveling.
• Stay healthy by eating right, drinking ample fluids, exercising, and managing stress appropriately.

What should I do if I get sick? If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care. Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.

If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

· Fast breathing or trouble breathing

· Bluish or gray skin color

· Not drinking enough fluids

· Severe or persistent vomiting

· Not waking up or not interacting

· Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

· Sudden dizziness

· Confusion

· Severe or persistent vomiting

· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 infection? Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. Currently, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during is to treat severe influenza illness (for example hospitalized patients) and people who are sick who have a condition that places them at high risk for serious flu-related complications.

How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with the flu virus be handled? Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.

Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Louisiana Department of Public Health