STOP The Spread of Influenza
Remember the 3 C's
C lean - Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
 Cover - Cover your coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don't have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
 Contain - Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you do get sick, stay at home until you're well again, so you don't spread more germs.
H1N1 and Seasonal Flu
RHI strongly encourages you to see your primary care physician first for management and treatment of seasonal and H1N1 flu. It is best that diagnosis, treatment, and education begin in the office and NOT in the Emergency Room. Your physician will determine if further medical attention, such as hospitalization, is needed. Your physician may also prescribe anti-viral medications, such as Tamiflu or Relenza, to lessen the severity.
Signs and symptoms for H1N1 and seasonal flu are similar. Though you may not have all of these symptoms, both H1N1 and seasonal flu illnesses include a fever and cough and/or sore throat. Symptoms include: fever > 100 degree Farenheit, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, head and body aches, chills, fatigue, and/or in the case of H1N1, vomiting and diarrhea.
Statement on Visitation
In preparation for the potential increase in flu illnesses this season, Rutherford Hospital, Inc. requests that family or friends of our patients do not visit if you have any flu like symptoms such as fever > 100 degrees Farenheit, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, head and body aches, chills, fatigue, and/or vomiting and diarrhea.
Links
Fox News Influenza Survival Guide
North Carolina Department of Public Health (NCPH)
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
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