Hospital urges precautions during flu upswing
Health department plans school flu initiative
Prince Frederick, MD (Oct. 1, 2009) - Calvert Memorial Hospital has put into place additional measures - such as encouraging the use of face masks, segregating those coming to the emergency department with flu-like symptoms and limiting visitors - to protect its patients and staff during the flu season.
"We're taking these extra steps to keep the flu from spreading," said Kasia Sweeney, director of public relations at CMH. "We really appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation."
Sweeney said the hospital is discouraging anyone under age 12 from visiting at this time. "This is for their own protection," she said, "since this age group is especially vulnerable to the H1N1 (swine) flu."
"We are also asking anyone who has had flu-like symptoms in the past 24 hours not to visit," she added. These symptoms include a fever over 100°F, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headache, extreme tiredness, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea.
If the number of reported flu cases jumps significantly, she said, the hospital will consider adding screening stations at its public entrances.
"We know the flu is on the upswing in the community," said Sweeney, "and we want to encourage residents to continue their vigilance and to follow everyday precautions against the flu." These include washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and staying home from work or school when you are sick with flu-like illness.
If the flu does come your way, health officials recommend you stay home, get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, take over-the-counter medication as directed for fever, call your doctor and learn the emergency warning signs for when urgent medical attention is needed.
For children, these signs include fast or trouble breathing, bluish skin color (for fair tones) and grayish skin color (for darker tones), not drinking enough fluids, not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held, fever with a rash and flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough. For adults, these signs are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion and severe or persistent vomiting.
She went on to add, "We are definitely seeing more people with flu-like symptoms but for the moment most of them are not seriously ill."
There have been 16 lab-confirmed cases of H1N1 (swine flu) in Calvert, according to Sharon Nazarek, director of disease surveillance and response at the Calvert County Health Department (CCHD).
"The most important thing that residents can do is to stay informed," said Sweeney. Regular updates will be posted on the hospital (www.calverthospital.org) and health department (www.calverthealth.org) websites. People can also call the CCHD flu line at: 410-535-5400.
Nazarek said the health department is planning a major H1N1 school flu initiative and packets will be sent home later this month to parents with more information. "We're also providing seasonal flu vaccinations to public and private students in kindergarten through fifth grade," she said, "and H1N1 when it becomes available." These vaccinations are free.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination for seasonal flu is especially important for those people at high risk, such as young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and those over 65. H1N1 (swine) flu is more of a threat to children under two, pregnant women and people with certain health problems like asthma, diabetes and heart disease, according to the CDC.
The hospital in cooperation with Chesapeake-Potomac Home Health has two seasonal flu clinics planned for persons over 18. They will be held Monday, Oct. 12 from 2-5 p.m. at the Solomons Medical Center and on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Twin Beaches Community Health Center. The cost is $20 and billing is provided for Medicare and Maryland Medical Assistance but you must bring your card. To avoid waiting in line, call for an appointment at 410-535-8233 or 301-855-1012, ext. 8233.
The health department has several seasonal flu clinics planned, as well. They are:
- Thursday, Oct. 22 from 4-8 p.m. at Patuxent High School
- Thursday, Oct. 29 from 4-8 p.m. at Huntingtown High School
- Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Calvert Fairgrounds
- Monday, Dec. 14 from 4-7 p.m. at the Calvert County Health Department
The cost is $20 by check or cash for all vaccinations. Children ages 5-11 are free. Medicare Part B is accepted. The H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine will be provided, if available. It is expected to arrive in mid to late-October.
In the meantime, Sweeney said that hospital leaders are meeting regularly to monitor the flu situation locally and are coordinating with county agencies and providing updates to the state.
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100 Hospital Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
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