Swine Flu in Central Texas

As of this morning, April 28, 2009, the Seton Family of Hospitals has seen no confirmed cases of Swine Flu. Should that change, we will update this information.

So far, we have seen no increase in the number of patients in our Emergency Departments who have flu-like symptoms. To ensure the safety of patients, their families and visitors, basic precautions are being taken by all Seton clinical and medical staff. Those precautions include providing hand sanitizers and ensuring proper hand washing protocol is followed, masking patients with respiratory symptoms and providing educational materials in the emergency departments.

We are recommending the following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for patients and families:

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 hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you are feeling ill, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include:

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Body achesHeadache
Chills
Fatigue
Some report diarrhea and vomiting

If you have any of the above symptoms or have questions about Swine Flu, please contact your family physician or health clinic.

The most up-to-date information nationally is available for clinicians at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance. You can refer patient inquiries to the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/swineflu or to 1-888-777-5320.