Flu Update

(September 18, 2009)

Visitation
Our restriction stating that visitors must be at least 19 years old is still in effect, and is expected to remain in place for several weeks or months as the flu season progresses.  We ask that people age 18 and younger only come to the hospital if they are to be treated for an illness or injury.  Please Click here for a complete look at our new guidelines, which went into effect August 24th. 

H1N1 Vaccines
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a press release on September 15th regarding the H1N1 vaccines.  It has information related to the number of vaccines for adults and children, the possible side-effects of the vaccine, and who should NOT take it.  Click here to view the press release.

The flu at EAMC
As of September 14th, more than 800 patients with flu-like symptoms had been seen in our Emergency Department, with about 25% of them actually testing positive for Type A influenza.  Although the state is no longer confirming every Type A influenza,  more than 99% of all Type A specimens sent to the state have been confirmed as H1N1.  Since July 27th, a total of 31 patients have been admitted into the hospital with the flu, with most having underlying medical conditions.  For the health of our patients and employees, we are closely monitoring the health of our employees.  Those who call in with flu-like symptoms are being asked to stay home, and remain out of work until they are symptom-free for 24 hours.

Do you have the flu or flu-like symptoms?
Having the flu or flu-like symptoms doesn’t always require a visit to the doctor or ER.  Most people can treat their symptoms with over-the-counter medications.  Click here for a newspaper article on how area physicians are treating the flu.

Other important information:
• Click here for the CDC's “Take 3 Steps to Fight The Flu” brochure.
• As for SEASONAL flu vaccines, several area pharmacies and physician offices have these vaccines available.  Please remember that the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against the H1N1 flu, and vice versa.  At EAMC, we will be providing vaccines to our employees as soon as they become available, and we encourage area residents to take both vaccines as well.
• For more information on the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu, please visit www.cdc.gov.

This portion of our website will be updated as needed during the flu season.  You may also call our flu hotline at 334-528-3588 or 1-800-988-0756 for information.