H1N1Protection

Flu season is here and we are receiving lots of calls at the clinics regarding symptoms and
prevention measures. Many patients want to know if they have seasonal flu, colds or the
H1N1 influenza. The flu is spreading across the county, but there are precautions that you
can take to help prevent the spread of the virus.

The symptoms of H1N1 Influenza are similar to the symptoms of other seasonal flus
and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some
other symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Because it has symptoms so
closely related to other strains of colds and flus, it is best to remain at home if you
exhibit these symptoms. This virus, like most others, is usually transmitted through
coughing and sneezing. With so many cases occurring around the county,
physicians are encouraging patients to stay home unless they exhibit extreme symptoms.

To protect your family, teach them to wash their hands often. Germs can survive on
objects more than 12-24 hours after an infected person touches them. Alcohol-based
(62% alcohol) hand sanitizer can help kill the virus. Stay in good health by getting
plenty of rest, being physically active, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious
foods. If you suspect someone is sick, avoid close contact with them. This is a great
time to stock up on food and supplies so that you don't need to make a trip to the
market if you get sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and clean
commonly touched surfaces.

The best protection that you have this year is to be vaccinated. Seasonal flu shots are
becoming available throughout the county. You can call our clinics to see if they are
available or where you can schedule one. H1N1 vaccines are still not available but
information about locations should be coming out soon. Those who are at a higher
risk for H1N1 complications such as pregnant women, children less than 5 years
old, and people with chronic medical conditions like asthma, heart disease, or
diabetes should be immunized first. Vaccines will be coming to San Diego over
the coming months.

If you get sick with influenza, the CDC recommends that you stay home from
work or school and avoid contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Stay home for 24 hours after your fever is gone, without the use of fever-
reducing medications. If you are worried about your symptoms, your health
care provider will determine whether influenza treatment is necessary. Watch
for warning signs in children such as fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish
skin color, dehydration, lethargy, irritability, or fever with a rash. If your child
exhibits any of these symptoms contact emergency services. Adults may exhibit
shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness,
confusion or severe vomiting. These are signs that warrant urgent medical
attention. Like seasonal flu, the severity of the flu symptoms can vary from mild to severe.

What is Mountain Health & Community Services doing to help protect you?
We are keeping abreast of the CDC and Public Health releases and recommendations.
If you come in for an appointment, we ask that you wear a mask if you are showing
flu or cold like symptoms. Masks can be obtained from our front desk receptionists.
We may ask you to wash your hands and we have sanitizing gels available when
you check in. The most important thing to remember is to remain calm. Lisa Wappler,
RN, Director of Nursing for Mountain Health clinics assured us that Mountain Health
is prepared for all of the new cases that we are seeing in the clinics. At the discretion
of your physician, antiviral prescription medicines are available and can make your
flu symptoms milder and make you feel better faster.

You can schedule an appointment at Alpine Family Medicine at (619) 445-6200
or at Mountain Empire Family Medicine at (619) 478-5311. Alpine Family Medicine
is open on Saturdays to accommodate your busy schedule. Saturday appointments
can be made by calling (619) 445-6200 x 101. For more information about Swine
Influenza (Swine Flu) and seasonal flu, visit our website at www.mtnhealth.org.