For information regarding the H1N1 and Seasonal Flu, please visit the following web resources:
Howard County General Hospital cares about our patients, community and visitors and we are committed to providing the highest quality of care in a safe and welcoming environment. As you may have heard, our community is seeing a dramatic increase in reported cases of the H1N1 flu. This increase is particularly prominent in the pediatric population. Because we care about you and all of our patients, we have made the determination to make the following temporary changes:
- Children under age 16, unless they are a patient, are temporarily restricted from all patient care areas including patient rooms, therapy areas, and outpatient service areas. Once H1N1 vaccinations begin, children with proof of H1N1 vaccination for two weeks prior to the visit will be allowed to visit patients who have been vaccinated for H1N1 for at least two weeks.
- Please restrict patient visitors to immediate family members only.
- In the Intensive Care Unit, only two visitors will be allowed with the patient at one time.
- Please do not bring children to the hospital with you unless the child is the patient.
- If you have influenza-like symptoms, do not visit patients. Symptoms include fever and one or more of the following:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body Aches
- Headache
- Chills and fatigue
- Sometimes vomiting and diarrhea
- Take preventive measures
- Get vaccinated;
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze;
- Wash hands often with soap and hot water or with alcohol-based hand cleaner;
- Avoid close contact with sick people;
- If you are sick, PLEASE STAY HOME.
We appreciate your help in protecting our patients during this outbreak of H1N1 Flu.
What's the big deal about H1N1?
H1N1 is a new form of the flu virus. Because it is new, we don’t have any immunity to it.
What are the symptoms?
Fever and one or more of the following:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills and fatigue
- Sometimes vomiting and diarrhea
Who is most at risk should they get sick with H1N1?Anyone can get the flu. But the groups below should call their doctor right away if they have the signs of H1N1.
- Pregnant women;
- Children less than 5 years old;
- Persons aged 65 years or older;
- Children and teens (less than 18 years) who are on long-term aspirin therapy;
- Adults and children who have chronic diseases;
- Adults and children who have HIV or immune system problems;
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care places.
How does H1N1 spread?People with the flu can give you the virus if they cough or sneeze near you. You can also become sick by touching something with germs on it, such as door knobs, and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. Unless they need urgent medical help, adults who are sick should be cared for at home.
How long is a person with the flu able to give the flu to others?You may be able to spread flu germs for up to 1 day before you feel sick and up to 7 days after you start having symptoms.
How does 2009 H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65.
The 2009 H1N1 flu has infected younger than 25 years of age more than older people. At this time, there are relatively fewer cases and deaths reported in people 65 years and older, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this 2009 H1N1. These underlying conditions include pregnancy, asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, and some neuromuscular disorders.
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