A new strain of Novel Influenza A (H1N1), also known as the Swine-Flu, emerged this past Spring in Mexico and quickly spread to the United States and throughout the world. During the summer months, the flu decreased due to the warmer weather and people being outside. The WHO (World Health Organization), the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the IDPH (Iowa Department of Public Health) expect a resurge of H1N1 this fall in addition to the seasonal flu. Because of this, these organizations are advising everyone at every level to be prepared.
Boone County Hospital, Boone Public Health, and Boone Emergency Management are working closely with the IDPH and the CDC to prepare the community for a resurgence of this new strain of influenza. “While we are hoping for the best, we are preparing for the worst and will need our communities help in preparing for, and responding to, what has the potential to affect a large number of Boone County residents,” says Mark Addy, BCH Emergency Preparedness Coordinator (EPC).
The Emergency Preparedness Team has assumed the role of leading the efforts at BCH and is meeting bi-weekly to prepare for the possible outbreak of this new strain of the flu. Major areas the multi-disciplinary team are working on include:
● Analyzing current capacities in order to provide care for a surge of influenza-like patients.
● Providing seasonal flu vaccinations earlier this fall. At this point and time, it looks as though the H1N1 vaccination will be available in mid-to-late October.
● Educating staff on the importance of staying home if sick. Symptoms of H1N1 are a fever (greater than 100 F), sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, and fatigue. If you have these symptoms, call your physician, the Employee Health Department, or the Emergency Department for instructions. If you do go to the doctor’s office or hospital, you will be asked to wear a mask to help in preventing the spread of influenza.
● Opening a flu clinic should the influx of patients in the ER and the clinics be too much to handle.
● Meeting monthly with community partners to keep them up-to-date on H1N1 and BCH activities, and to help in facilitating planning efforts.
As always, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Clean places you have frequent contact with, such as doorknobs and light switches, as well as your desk or work area.
For more information about H1N1, log on to www.boonehospital.com and click on FastCommand. Informative links are available.