SWINE FLU INFORMATION
It's all over the news and it's called swine flu.
Yes, it sounds scary, but the good news is that most of the swine flu cases in the United
States have been mild so far.
Cases have been reported in the Tahoe area and surrounding communities.
If you think you have the flu, the first thing you should do if you start to feel sick - is
stay home.
The Barton Health is working closely with Public Health officials to
ensure the best possible care for our residents and our visitors.
Health officials are encouraging businesses and schools to send anyone home who has flu
symptoms - and parents are encouraged to stay home with sick children.
Barton has emergency supplies for this type of occurrence. If the community runs out of
supplies, El Dorado County Public Health, the state of California and Federal agencies also
have emergency stockpile supplies we could tap into.
It takes at least three days from the time of testing until a confirmation of swine flu is received.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type A influenza virus.
People who get the flu need extra fluids, rest and over-the-counter medication.
If symptoms are severe or persist, see your health care provider or go to Barton Urgent Care at Stateline Medical
Center.
It is strongly urged that patients do not go to hospital emergency rooms unless they are
experiencing severe signs of illness. This will help prevent the spread of the virus.
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to symptoms of seasonal flu. These include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Many people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.
There are warning signs that should result in a person seeking emergency medical care. For children, the warning signs include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up
- Not interacting
- Being irritable and not wanting to be held
- Fever with a rash
- Symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and worse cough
For adults, the warning signs include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
Individuals can reduce their chances of getting sick with the flu by:
Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue
in the trash.
Stay home if you are sick and keep sick children home from school.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Many hospitals, including Barton, are activating their pandemic flu plans.
As a result of intense planning over the past few years, Barton is better prepared than ever
before to respond to a swine flu outbreak, should that occur.
Preparedness is always a work in progress, but Barton and hospitals throughout the country
have been planning and preparing for a pandemic for several years.
Updated local information is posted online at www.edcgov.us/publichealth. The Public Health
Click here to download the latest press release from the El Dorado County Public Health Department.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has information on their website at http://www.flu.gov or http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm.