In an effort to protect patients from the spread of the H1N1 virus, Erlanger Health System is requesting all family, friends and loved ones who are experiencing cold and flu symptoms to not visit patients until they are symptom free.
Currently, visitation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children's Hospital at Erlanger is restricted to only parents and grandparents. This is being done in the best interest of the recovery of patients.
Erlanger encourages everyone to get vaccinated and take extra precautions to avoid getting the flu this season.
“Vaccination is the best protection against the flu,” said Coretha Weaver, infection control coordinator at Erlanger. “This year, the seasonal and the H1N1 vaccine is needed to be fully protected. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious complications, including young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions.”
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants younger than six months of age, health care and emergency medical personnel, anyone from six months through 24 years of age, and anyone from 25 to 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system get the seasonal and the H1N1 vaccine.
As more vaccine becomes available, healthy 25-64-year olds and adults 65 years and older are recommended to receive the vaccine.
Symptoms of the Novel H1N1 are similar to the seasonal flu and my include a fever, headache, sore throat, body aches, diarrhea, and extreme tiredness. If you think you or a family member has the flu, don’t be alarmed. Most cases of the flu cause mild illness and do not require medical care.
Another important way to protect yourself and your family is to avoid contact with others. At home, keep the sick person in another room. Practice good hygiene. If you or someone in your household is sick, everyone around that person should wash their hands, frequently with soap and warm water. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
For more information on how to protect yourself and your family during this cold and flu season, call 423 778-4FLU.