Jackson General Hospital Prepares for
Potentially Serious Influenza Season
Potentially Serious Influenza Season
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Members of the Administrative staff at Jackson General Hospital met recently with
managers from the Emergency Department, Nursing Services, and Infection
Control. The purpose for this meeting was to discuss how the hospital and the
Morad-Hughes Health Center would manage an influx of potentially infectious
patients presenting with flu-like symptoms to the facility. JGH is also working
collaboratively with other local organizations to better prepare for the community’s
healthcare needs. A follow-up meeting was held with JGH Department Managers
and Jackson County Health Department officials Susan Hosaflook and Wendy
Crawford to discuss preparations for the upcoming, potentially severe, influenza
season. Emergency Physician, Dr. Michael McIntosh, was on hand to offer his
expertise and advice. A few years ago, he was instrumental in developing the
state National Guard Plan for preparedness for an avian influenza pandemic.
Currently, infections with the H1N1 virus and influenza-like illnesses remain
relatively low in our area. However, infections with influenza viruses typically
increase in fall and winter and, with schools back in session, it would not be
surprising to see an increase in the number of cases of H1N1 in the weeks to
come. Also, with the approaching seasonal flu season, we could see a co-
circulation of the two influenza viruses, resulting in an increase of patients
presenting to the ER and to the clinic for diagnosis and treatment.
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus are similar to those of seasonal influenza.
These symptoms include fever (>100°), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose,
body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. A significant number of people who
have been infected with the H1N1 virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without
requiring medical treatment. However, a small percentage of those infected have
required treatment and hospitalization. According to the CDC, about 70 percent of
people who have been hospitalized with the 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or
more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” for
serious seasonal flu-related complications. These include pregnancy, diabetes,
heart disease, asthma, and kidney disease. Patients who fall into one of these
high-risk groups should seek medical treatment as soon as influenza-like
symptoms appear.
Jackson General Hospital is suggesting that non-emergent patients with influenza-
like symptoms consider seeking diagnosis and treatment from their primary care
physician or at the Morad-Hughes Health Center (MHHC). The MHHC is open from
8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. with either a Physician or Certified Nurse Practitioner
available to provide screening and appropriate treatment for influenza. Generally,
the wait time to see a provider at MHHC is less than that in the Emergency
Department. Also, because of the potential for exposure to others with influenza-
like symptoms, patients presenting to either the ER or MHHC are encouraged to
limit the number of individuals who accompany them to the hospital, especially
young children, as this could put them at unnecessary risk.
Jackson General is partnering with the Jackson County Health Department to
present an educational dinner discussion on the topic of the H1N1 virus, including
home-treatment options. This presentation will be Thursday, September 24, at 6 p.
m. in the JGH Learning Center. There is no charge for the event; however, space
is limited so you must call Nancy Garnes at 304-373-1516 for reservations.
JGH recommends that you take these everyday steps to protect
yourself from the H1N1 virus and seasonal influenza:
managers from the Emergency Department, Nursing Services, and Infection
Control. The purpose for this meeting was to discuss how the hospital and the
Morad-Hughes Health Center would manage an influx of potentially infectious
patients presenting with flu-like symptoms to the facility. JGH is also working
collaboratively with other local organizations to better prepare for the community’s
healthcare needs. A follow-up meeting was held with JGH Department Managers
and Jackson County Health Department officials Susan Hosaflook and Wendy
Crawford to discuss preparations for the upcoming, potentially severe, influenza
season. Emergency Physician, Dr. Michael McIntosh, was on hand to offer his
expertise and advice. A few years ago, he was instrumental in developing the
state National Guard Plan for preparedness for an avian influenza pandemic.
Currently, infections with the H1N1 virus and influenza-like illnesses remain
relatively low in our area. However, infections with influenza viruses typically
increase in fall and winter and, with schools back in session, it would not be
surprising to see an increase in the number of cases of H1N1 in the weeks to
come. Also, with the approaching seasonal flu season, we could see a co-
circulation of the two influenza viruses, resulting in an increase of patients
presenting to the ER and to the clinic for diagnosis and treatment.
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus are similar to those of seasonal influenza.
These symptoms include fever (>100°), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose,
body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. A significant number of people who
have been infected with the H1N1 virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without
requiring medical treatment. However, a small percentage of those infected have
required treatment and hospitalization. According to the CDC, about 70 percent of
people who have been hospitalized with the 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or
more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” for
serious seasonal flu-related complications. These include pregnancy, diabetes,
heart disease, asthma, and kidney disease. Patients who fall into one of these
high-risk groups should seek medical treatment as soon as influenza-like
symptoms appear.
Jackson General Hospital is suggesting that non-emergent patients with influenza-
like symptoms consider seeking diagnosis and treatment from their primary care
physician or at the Morad-Hughes Health Center (MHHC). The MHHC is open from
8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. with either a Physician or Certified Nurse Practitioner
available to provide screening and appropriate treatment for influenza. Generally,
the wait time to see a provider at MHHC is less than that in the Emergency
Department. Also, because of the potential for exposure to others with influenza-
like symptoms, patients presenting to either the ER or MHHC are encouraged to
limit the number of individuals who accompany them to the hospital, especially
young children, as this could put them at unnecessary risk.
Jackson General is partnering with the Jackson County Health Department to
present an educational dinner discussion on the topic of the H1N1 virus, including
home-treatment options. This presentation will be Thursday, September 24, at 6 p.
m. in the JGH Learning Center. There is no charge for the event; however, space
is limited so you must call Nancy Garnes at 304-373-1516 for reservations.
JGH recommends that you take these everyday steps to protect
yourself from the H1N1 virus and seasonal influenza:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw
the tissue in the trash after you use it. - Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for
at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for
other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-
reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep
from making others sick.
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| When to Seek Medical Care for Possible Flu, including H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)* Read More! |