 ST. FRANCIS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
H1N1 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
- What are the symptoms of H1N1 influenza?
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
- muscle aches
- fatigue
- headache
- sore throat
- lack of appetite
If you or your child experience the flu-like symptoms listed above, you are advised to stay home from work, school or public gatherings until you (he/she) no longer have a fever and are feeling better. The presence of a persistent cough alone, in the absence of other symptoms, is not a reason to stay away from the work/school setting. It is not unusual for individuals to experience a cough for days to weeks after influenza infection.
See your health care provider if you experience severe symptoms, or if your symptoms significantly worsen after a few days of milder symptoms.
- How long do symptoms last and how long am I contagious?
More investigation is needed on how long a person can be infectious (be able to spread the virus to others), but, it is believed that this period is for one day before the onset of symptoms until about 7 days after symptoms have started. Most people with influenza recover completely in 1-2 weeks; however, some may have serious complications (particularly those with underlying conditions) since the severity of illness can vary. A person who is concerned about their health or wellbeing should contact a health care practitioner to discuss their personal circumstances.
- How does the H1N1 virus spread?
More investigation is needed on how easily the virus spreads between people, but it is believed that it is spread the same way as regular seasonal influenza.
Influenza and other respiratory infections are transmitted from person to person when germs enter the nose and/or throat. Coughs and sneezes release germs into the air where they can be breathed in by others. Germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, where they can be picked up on hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their mouth and/or nose.
- Why is this new H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.
- Can I get infected with this new H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No. H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get this new HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
- What actions has St. Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH) taken about H1N1?
SFMH has implemented provincially-recommended protocols to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. Everyone entering the hospital is required to clean their hands with the special cleaners at the entrances. This is the single most important thing which must be done to protect yourself and your loved ones from the spread of infection. This is part of the ongoing “Just Clean Your Hands” campaign. If you are coughing, you should put on a mask. Our staff will be reminding patients and visitors of this expectation.
Managing the spread of infection in the emergency department and the waiting area is essential for everyone’s well-being. We ask for your cooperation and recommend that only one person accompany a child or youth seeking emergency care. Please refrain from bringing healthy siblings and other family members. Parents with flu-like symptoms themselves should not accompany their children.
- What should I do if I get sick?
If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed
- Will I be tested for H1N1?
The majority of patients with flu-like symptoms will not be tested for H1N1 virus. Only those who have significant underlying health conditions — or those admitted to hospital for severe flu conditions — will be tested. This is in compliance with provincial guidelines.
- How is H1N1 treated?
Treatment for patients with H1N1 does not differ from that for those with a traditional flu.
- What if I am coming to the hospital for an outpatient visit or to visit a patient?
All outpatients and visitors will be required to self-screen each time they enter the hospital. If they have any of the symptoms listed above (Question 1) they should postpone their visit unless it is absolutely necessary. If they must stay, they will be required to put a mask on while in the hospital. For patients who are admitted to the hospital under isolation precautions, only parents and caregivers can visit.
Patients coming for outpatient clinics and other appointments who have symptoms are requested to call the clinic before they arrive. They are asked to re-schedule their appointment, if possible. If not, they are asked to wear a mask while in the hospital. Anyone entering the hospital should use the alcohol-based hand rub and if they are coughing, should put on a mask.
- What should I be doing to protect myself from infection?
- Wash hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer especially after you cough or sneeze
- Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Get your annual flu shot
- Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further. Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Talk to a health professional if you experience severe flu-like symptoms
- What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. If using soap and water, you should wash for 15 to 20 seconds. Alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may also be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
- How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.
- What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
- What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
- How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.
MORE QUESTIONS?
Please contact the Renfrew County District Health Unit at 613-756-2744
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