Flu Information

The flu season is once again upon us and this year, it is especially important for you to stay abreast of the swine flu or H1N1 strain of the influenza virus. Like the regular influenza virus the H1N1 strain is a contagious respiratory illness that is spread from human to human. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that roughly one million people became ill with novel H1N1 flu between April and June 2009 in the United States. To help you better understand the H1N1 influenza virus, the following are commonly asked questions as reported by the CDC as of August 5th, 2009:

 

How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?

Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

 

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

While the swine flu is a nasty virus that no one wants to contract, we can definitely better prepare ourselves in order to protect our family. The government has developed a vaccine to aid against the fight of the swine flu which it hopes to have available to the public in early fall. FastERcare Emergency Center will provide this vaccine to the public once it becomes available. The cost of administering the vaccination is $20.00 per patient. As well, FastERcare Emergency Center is currently offering the regular flu shots for ages 4 & up. For those of us who happen to contract the flu or experience flu like symptoms, FastERcare Emergency Center is equipped to diagnose and treat such illnesses. For more information regarding the swine flu, please visit www.cdc.gov . If you have any questions regarding our services please do not hesitate to contact our office at 972.234.3299.

 

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Interesting Facts

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control)

• Average time spent in the ER is 3.2 hours

• From 1996 through 2006, the number of ER visits increased by a staggering 32%

• Emergency rooms are more crowded than ever

• There were, on average, about 227 visits to the ER every minute in 2006