An earlier than normal flu season is upon us and nationally, visits to doctors for influenza-like illness are increasing. We're seeing the same trend locally in Riverside Emergency Rooms and expect this flu season to affect more people than usual resulting in a higher number of work place and school absences. 

Riverside is in a constant state of readiness and preparedness when it comes to handling unusual events such as the flu pandemic and you should not be concerned about the quality or availability of medical care should you need it. We have added patient beds and staff in our emergency rooms and if a surge in patient volume with flu-like symptoms warrant, we have a Flu Clinic located on the campus of Riverside Regional Medical Center ready to open.

To help protect children from flu exposure, Riverside and other area hospitals have recently announced a visitation policy change asking that children under the age of 18 NOT visit or accompany others to the hospital unless the child requires medical care.  Please note this policy affects primarily patient visitation. If you have a sick child and need emergency or other services, please come to any Riverside Emergency Room or contact a Riverside  Primary Care Physician. 

Important Updates:

• Extensive efforts are underway to track and monitor the spread of the flu. In the US, epidemiologists at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are working with states to collect, compile and analyze reports of the H1N1 (Swine) flu outbreak. More >

• The Virginia Department of Health is continuing to closely monitor H1N1 (Swine) flu to keep Virginians informed of this rapidly evolving public health issue. More >More >

• A pandemic has been declared. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization  (WHO) declared that a global pandemic of H1N1 (Swine) flu is underway by raising the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6. More >

• Vaccines are the best tool we have to prevent influenza. The CDC encourages people to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza as soon as vaccines become available. The H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine is in development for early fall. More >

• Area hospitals announce collective visiting policy change for children as precaution against spread of flu. More >

Real-time updates from the CDC (@CDCFlu) and Flu.gov (@FluGov) on Twitter:

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
The best way to control the spread of infectious disease is to practice good infection prevention measures and minimize exposure. The single best preventive measure for everyone, whether at school, work or at home, is to wash your hands. You should practice respiratory/cough etiquette at all times. Be vigilant in cleaning surfaces that are touched frequently – doorknobs, sink faucets, keyboards, telephones, refrigerator handles and similar items. Get your seasonal flu shot and get the H1N1 vaccine when available.

What is respiratory/cough etiquette?
This includes:

• Cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, using tissues or your upper sleeve instead of the hands;
• Use tissues to contain mucous and watery discharge from the mouth and nose;
• Dispose of tissues in the nearest waste bin immediately after use or carry a small plastic bag (like a zip-lock bag) for used tissues;
• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water (for 15-20 seconds) or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser after covering your mouth for a cough or sneeze, after wiping or blowing your nose, and after handling contaminated objects and materials, including tissues.

Will the seasonal flu shot protect me from the H1N1 flu?
The seasonal flu shot will not protect you from H1N1. It is possible to have the seasonal flu and H1N1 at the same time, as they are different virus strains.

More information:

• Be prepared
• Flu treatment
• Influenza versus Cold