Apr 28, 2009
The swine flu is the major headline around the world. At this time, there are no confirmed cases of swine flu in Colorado. Littleton Adventist Hospital is proactively providing you with this information to help you protect your health, and the health of your family, friends and community members.
What Centura Health facilities are doing to prepare for a potential outbreak
Infection control, emergency preparedness and pharmacy leaders from across the Centura system met this morning to do a statewide inventory of all necessary supplies, as well as a review of emergency preparedness guidelines. Centura facilities will continue to network and help each other in the event of an outbreak.
If any cases are identified within the system, Centura Health facilities will be following state guidelines and working with city and county health departments. If you would like more information on what your facility is doing to prepare for a potential emergency, please contact your infection control or emergency preparedness leaders.
Basic precautions
Take these everyday steps to protect yourself from the flu:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your arm (not your hand).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because germs can spread that way.
- Stay home from work or school if you get sick with influenza.
*It is important to note that the virus is not transmitted by eating or preparing pork products.
Swine flu symptoms
Influenza symptoms include fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
What to do if you experience symptoms
If you experience flu-like symptoms, please contact your family physician or go to your local emergency department. If you experience a work-related exposure, your employee health department can help. A vaccine is not yet available because this is a new strain of swine flu. Treatment is available if the flu is contracted.
Where to find more information
For general information about the Swine Flu, please see the following:
