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H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Update
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the H1N1 virus. WHO's decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. At this time, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities. We at Mercy are treating the situation with guidelines set forth by public health agencies, and have procedures in place for responding to the outbreak.
Special Information for Visitors
To help prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus, and for the safety of our patients, visitors and staff:
- Children
under the age of 18 will not be permitted to visit hospitalized
patients or accompany visitors or patients unless the child is
receiving medical services.
- Visitors
are asked not to visit hospitalized patients, or accompany patients for
outpatient services, if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms or have
around others experiencing flu-like symptoms. Flu symptoms include
fever, cough, sore throat, head & body aches, chills,
fatigue,vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms, may be asked to wear a mask and be seated in a separate waiting area.
We appreciate your cooperation as we work to keep our community well!
If you are healthy and plan to visit a patient, following standard
precautions can help you stay well and avoid spreading infections.
Standard precautions include:
Cover your nose or mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
Wash
your hands frequently with soap and water, including before and after
contact with a patient, and especially after sneezing or coughing.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
What is H1N1 Flu?
H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get H1N1 flu, but human infections can and do happen. H1N1 flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. H1N1 symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, head and body aches, chill, and fatigue. Some people have reported sudden vomiting and diarrhea. You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms.
What can I do to prevent infection and stay healthy?
• Wash 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. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• To maintain health, eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, and get adequate sleep.
• Get vaccinated for seasonal and H1N1 flu, as indicated by current CDC guidelines.
What if I have Symptoms?
If you feel you have mild symptoms of the flu, then we recommend that you contact your physician. If you feel you have symptoms of the flu, and if you have a chronic medical condition, keep in close contact with your primary care physician. If you do not have a physician, please contact our physician referral line at 312.567.2600 to find a physician. Mercy also offers three walk-in clinics listed below.
Walk-In Clinics
Mercy Medical at Dearborn Station
47 W. Polk St. 312.922.3011
Open: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
Adult & Pediatric Care
Mercy Medical at Ashland
3316 S. Ashland Ave, 773.254.2133
Open: Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm
Adult Care
Mercy Medical at Pulaski
5525 S. Pulaski, 773.585.1955
Open: Monday-Friday: 8am-4pm
Adult Care
When to go to the Emergency Room
If you have:
- a persistent high fever
- active cough
- shortness of breath
- not tolerating fluids or persistent vomiting
Frequently Asked Questions
English
Spanish
Helpful Resources
Mercy Hospital & Medical center recommends the following Public Health Authorities for further education and up-to-date developments.
Local & State Information:
http://www.idph.state.il.us/
http://www.ready.illinois.gov
City of Chicago
City of Chicago Residents may call 311
Cook County Department of Public Health Swine Flu Hotline: 708-492-2000
National Information:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
http://www.flu.gov
International Information:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/
Spanish:
Spanish - CDC
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