Carrington Health Center prepares for Potential Swine Flu A (H1N1) virus Outbreak

Carrington Health Center (CHC) is closely monitoring the swine flu outbreak and is prepared to implement emergency and pandemic-flu plans to deal with any local outbreaks of the disease. In the unlikely event of a local outbreak, the hospital is well-prepared to deal with the situation in coordination with local, state and federal agencies.

At press time, there were no cases of swine flu reported in the state of North Dakota.  As of April 28, 64 cases have been confirmed in the United States in the following states – California, Texas, New York, Kansas and Ohio. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with local and state health agencies to monitor the outbreak.

Carrington Health Center has access to a supply of antiviral drugs to deal with any local outbreak, and can also rely on millions of courses of antiviral drugs available from the federal government in the case of a public health emergency. Our clinical leaders and staff continue to monitor developments and evaluate response plans and protocols. Meantime, CHC has protocols in place to screen for cases of suspected swine flu and to coordinate with local and state health agencies.

Mariann Doeling, Administrator at CHC, says, “Carrington Health Center has been participating on daily update calls via the North Dakota Health Alert Network, a multimedia conference system established to link all North Dakota hospitals to share information on topics such as this possible pandemic.  CHC has policies and procedures in place to protect our patients and our community.  We are prepared and will remain vigilant as we monitor this situation.

We encourage the public to practice good-hand washing protocols after coughing or sneezing, using the restroom, before and after patient cares, before and after handling food.  Proper hand washing includes plenty of warm, soapy water and 20 seconds of vigorous scrubbing of the hands and wrists.  Use a clean towel to dry your hands.”

The symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to the symptoms of regular flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

People do not normally get swine flu, but infections in humans can and do happen. The CDC has determined that this swine influenza – the A (H1N1) virus -- is contagious and is spreading from human to human. Swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food and a person cannot get swine flu from eating pork products.  It is not known how easily this virus spreads between people, but it is thought to spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Individuals may become infected by coming into contact with the flu virus and touching the mouth and nose.  Some viruses and bacteria can live for two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs and desks.  Frequent hand washing reduces the chance of contamination from these common surfaces. And good hand washing after coughing or sneezing, before and after food handling, and after using the restroom, also reduces the spread of infection. As always, in order to reduce the risk of infection to patients and health care workers, persons experiencing respiratory illness or flu-like symptoms should refrain from visiting hospitalized patients.

The general public should follow the same guidelines as during a regular flu season to help reduce the spread of the disease:

Ø      As always, if you are sick, you should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Ø      Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.  It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Ø      Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.

Ø      Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.  Germs are often spread when a person touching something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Ø      Wash your hands frequently.

Ø      People experiencing cough, fever, and fatique, possible along with diarrhea and vomiting should call their doctor.  If you have recently traveled to an area with confirmed cases, make sure your doctor knows your travel history.

Ø      Swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food and a person cannot get swine flu from eating pork products.

For more information about swine flu-like symptoms and precautions: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm. For the most up-to-date information on the disease: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.