CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Hospital clinicians have been closely following the swine flu situation in the United States and are prepared in the event the disease hits the region.
Senior management, physicians, infection control specialists, pharmacists and the hospital’s emergency preparedness team have had several meetings this week to review contingency plans.
“We’ve been in contact with the State Department of Health and receive continuous updates from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the swine flu outbreak. Over the years, our staff has participated in many pandemic training sessions to prepare for such an event. We’re hopeful that we never see swine flu cases locally, but if we do, we are ready,” stated Sue Stiner, bachelor of science-nursing, registered nurse, Clearfield Hospital’s infection prevention/employee health manager.
Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. Although people do not normally get swine flu, human infections can and do happen as is the case with the current outbreak.
According to a fact sheet posted on the CDC Website, symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and it is thought to be spread in much the same way.
In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, high fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.
The strain responsible for the current swine flu outbreak in most cases causes only mild symptoms and the infected person makes a full recovery without requiring medical attention and without the use of antiviral medicines.
Stiner advises people to follow these CDC guidelines to protect themselves and others:
-First and foremost – wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
-Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
-Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
-If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
If you develop symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or, if necessary, go to the Emergency Department.
Clearfield Hospital also reminds the public that, as always, people who are exhibiting symptoms of any illness are asked to refrain from visiting patients in the hospital.
Other visitors to the hospital are asked to take note of signage that contains information about how to prevent the spread of communicable diseases; these visitors are also encouraged to use the hand-sanitizer dispensers located throughout the hospital.
People coming to the Emergency Department who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms will be provided with a facemask as a precaution.
Clearfield Hospital will keep the public informed of any local issues that may arise related to the swine flu.
For the latest news on swine flu, log on to the CDC Web site.