H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information

Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States. An investigation and response effort surrounding the outbreak of swine flu is ongoing on the national level and here in New Hampshire. 

As the situation with Swine Flu continues to evolve both internationally and domestically Exeter Hospital and its affiliates, including Core Physicians, are working collaboratively with the other hospitals and health care organizations on a coordinated response directed by the New Hampshire Hospital Association and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”), with the support of the National Center for Disease Control (“CDC”).

Leadership staff from Exeter Hospital and Core Physicians are participating in daily phone briefings with The New Hampshire Hospital Association and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) to make sure that we are well coordinated with the other hospitals and health care providers and that we are making all of the necessary preparations in the event we experience confirmed cases of Swine Flu in New Hampshire. This includes ongoing monitoring of bed capacity, surveillance of patients presenting with possible swine flu virus, and assessing what supplies and medications are available.

As a result of intense planning over the past few years, New Hampshire’s hospitals are better prepared than ever to respond to the swine flu outbreak. Preparedness is always a work in progress, but hospitals throughout the state have been planning and preparing for a pandemic for several years. Our hope is this flu virus does not spread, but we have processes in place to be ready to support our communities should the outbreak reach New Hampshire.

How can you avoid getting sick?

According to NH DHHS, Swine Flu is spread from person to person and there is no risk of contracting this flu virus by eating pork. There are, however, some basic precautions that everyone should be taking to prevent becoming ill or spreading illnesses, not just swine flu are:

• Stay home from work or school if you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneezes with your sleeve
• Wash your hands frequently

The CDC adds that to avoid contracting the Flu people should first and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

What should you do if you get sick?

According to the CDC, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, call your physician first. To reduce the risk of contaminating others, we urge you to avoid going to the hospital emergency room unless you are experiencing severe signs of illness. Please ask your doctor for advice before you come to the hospital. He or she will determine if influenza testing or treatment is necessary. Patients who do not have a primary care provider can call the NH DHHS swine flu hotline: 1-888-330-6764. The hotline is open every day, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

If you are sick, stay home from work, school or public events. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your arm when coughing or sneezing. If you use a tissue, throw it away. Hand washing is the first and best way to prevent the spread of any infection. Clean your hands every time you cough or sneeze. Please consider not visiting patients you know in the hospital if you have any flu-like symptoms.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children, those warning signs are:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• 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
• Fever with a rash

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

Please use the links below for information about the outbreak and for the most up to date recommendations on what you should do if you are worried about how to protect yourself or what you should do if you begin to develop symptoms.

For more information on swine influenza, visit the NH DHHS or the CDC.