Carilion Clinic Reacts to Widespread H1N1 Flu in Virginia

Emergency Departments should only be used for severe symptoms; friends and families should limit visits to hospitalized patients when possible.

The Centers for Disease Control is reporting “widespread” H1N1 flu activity in Virginia. Carilion Clinic hospital emergency departments and physician offices are seeing an increasing number of people with flu-like symptoms.  According to Thomas Kerkering, MD, medical director of Carilion Clinic’s Infectious Disease Department, all current flu activity is likely H1N1 flu, as the seasonal flu has not yet been seen in the United States.

“Hospitals and the public need to continue the steps taken to protect themselves, their patients and their families from infection,” Kerkering says.  “We also need to use our medical facilities and resources wisely, to ensure that we continue to have the resources to treat the flu patients who may become seriously ill.”

H1N1 is still relatively mild in most people. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. 

If you experience flu symptoms:

• Stay home
• Contact your family physician if you have one
• Do not go to a hospital emergency department unless you have difficulty breathing or are dehydrated
• Be aware that Tamiflu should be reserved for patients with severe symptoms. Most people with mild flu symptoms do not need Tamiflu. People who have been exposed, but do not have symptoms do not need Tamiflu.

Carilion has developed a detailed plan to treat patients with serious flu symptoms while protecting hospital staff, other patients and the community.  To limit the spread of the flu within the hospital and the community, please do not bring children to visit patients in the hospital.  This is important for their protection, because children are particularly susceptible to the H1N1 virus.  In addition, please limit adult visitors to two at a time when possible.  This helps protect the community by reducing opportunities for flu to spread outside the hospital.

Patients who come to hospital Emergency Departments with flu-like symptoms may be asked to wait in a separate area to prevent spreading the virus to other patients, and given masks to limit the spread of the virus.  Hand sanitizing stations are set up throughout the hospital and visitors should use them frequently.

According to the CDC, signs that a patient should be taken to a hospital emergency department include:

In children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Irritable, not wanting to be held
• Flu symptoms improve, but return with fever and worsening cough
• Fever with rash

 In adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

According to the CDC, everyone should take the following steps to protect their health: 

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue in the trash after each use.
• Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick when possible. 

For more information and the latest developments on H1N1, please visit CarilionClinic.org/swineflu