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H1N1, sometimes called “swine flu,” is an influenza virus causing illness in people. Most people with H1N1 have recovered without requiring medical treatment. This virus is contagious and spreads much like the seasonal flu. Unnecessary trips to the hospital
emergency room can spread the flu to others in the waiting room.
If you have flu symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills and/or fatigue, please keep away from others as much as possible. You can treat these symptoms at home with rest, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and by drinking fluids. Seek medical care right away if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain or an altered mental state, such as confusion. When in doubt, call your health care provider for advice.
In an effort to reduce the spread of seasonal and H1N1 flu, Richmond and Tri-Cities area hospitals, including the VCU Medical Center, are limiting visitors to patient care areas to healthy adults 18 years and older and no more than two adult visitors at a time per patient. Children, in particular, are more likely to get H1N1 flu, and they can be infectious for longer periods of time, putting them at greater risk of carrying the virus into health care settings.
This policy will remain in effect throughout the flu season, at least through March 2010. Limited exceptions for special circumstances will be made, for example, involving patients at end of life or expectant and new fathers under the age of 18. Exceptions will be allowed at the discretion of the attending health care provider.
At the VCU Medical Center, our number one priority is the health and well being of our patients, visitors and staff. These precautions will give us the opportunity to insulate our patients who have come to us in need of medical care. Our first responsibility is to their safety and the safety of all visitors and staff at the VCU Medical Center.
Here are some useful resources for more information on the H1N1 Flu
CDC H1N1 Flu
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/?s_cid=h1n1Flu_outbreak_038
H1N1 Flu self-evaluation
http://www.flu.gov/evaluation/
H1N1 Flu myths and facts
http://h1n1flu.gov/myths/index.html
H1N1 frequently asked questions
http://answers.flu.gov/
H1N1 vaccine
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/
Visitor restriction policy press release
http://www.vcuhealth.org/news/?sid=1&nid=94
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VCUHS Response to Flu (H1N1 and Seasonal)
Intranet site available to employees only
H1N1 Flu Information for students
OnTopic: Swine Flu
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