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Adapted from the CDC
Linda M. Reh, RN, MSN, NP-C
What is the novel H1N1 (swine flu)?
H1N1 (referred to as the swine flu) is a new influenza virus causing
illness in people. For most of you, the symptoms will go away with
simple remedies and will not require an appointment. You may need
attention if under 2 years of age or having a long term underlying
medical condition.
How Does the H1N1 virus spread?
H1N1 is thought to occur in the same way the seasonal flu spreads.
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing
or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become
infected by touching something such as a surface or object with
flu viruses on it and then touching their nose or mouth.
How can I tell if I have a cold or the flu?
COLD
- Rare headache
- No or low grade fever
- Aches & pains
- Sneezing
- Mild to moderate hacking cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
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Severe headache
- Sudden high fever (last 3-4 days)
- Severe aches & pains
- Extreme fatigue & weakness
- Severe cough
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What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
1. The live nasal vaccine is available now in some locations.
THE FOLLOWING PATIENTS SHOULD HAVE THIS VACCINE:
- Healthy patients who are not pregnant should receive the nasal
vaccine
2. The inactivated injectible vaccine is scheduled to be available
within the next several weeks.
THE FOLLOWING PATIENTS SHOULD HAVE THIS VACCINE:
- Those adults with medical conditions under the age of 65
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts of children under 6 months of age
- Persons 6 months to 24 years
- Healthcare workers and EMS personnel
3. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw the tissue in the trash immediately after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds,
especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners
are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Avoid crowds.
- If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for
at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
Should I go to work if I have a family member sick with
H1N1?
You may go to work as usual. Monitor your health every day and
take everyday precautions.
When to call your PCP?
- Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
- Confusion or change in mental status
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever or worse
cough
Who is at higher risk for H1N1 complications?
- People over 65 years of age
- Pregnant women
- Residents of nursing home or chronic care facilities
- Immunosuppressed patients (Example, HIV)
- Persons who care for high risk populations
- Children under the age of 2 years of age
Other key points:
- Linens should be washed often by using a household laundry soap
& tumble dry on a hot setting.
- Wipe surfaces in the bedroom, kitchen counters, work surfaces,
and toys with a household disinfectant according to directions
on the label.
- Eating utensils & dishes of infected persons should not
be shared. Wash in a dishwasher or with soap and hot water.
- Rest, fluids, vaporizer, and tissues are advised.
- Tylenol OR Ibuprofin (Motrin, Advil) according to package directions
for fever or aches/pains
Additional information about the H1N1 vaccine in Pennsylvania can
be found at H1N1
in PA
Contact your physician's office today to schedule
an appointment if you or a loved one is due for an immunization.
Consistent with our mission to pursue excellence in medical care,
PPCP has developed an internal continuous quality improvement program.
Our dedicated quality improvement staff works behind the scenes
to help our physicians provide consistent, quality care and service
for our patients.
Additionally, PPCP provides you with disease management programs;
informational flyers, research and reminders to ensure you get the
utmost care from your doctor.
We, at PPCP, believe we can offer you the exceptional service you
deserve.
Additional PCP Disease Management Programs:
- Diabetes Disease Management
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Disease Management Program
- The Treatment of Cholesterol levels in patient with established
coronary heart disease.
- Comprehensive Asthma Management
- Increased Immunization Rates among PPCP patients
- Patient Satisfaction Improvement program
We encourage you to become a highly educated PPCP patient. During
your visit, asking questions of our doctors and staff are both welcomed
and encouraged. Patient education is OUR best advocate in dealing
with the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Feel free to
email or call us with suggestions
on how this section of our web page can help you. Some of our
best interventions in chronic disease management have begun with a
suggestion from one of our patients. Please become an active patient
member of the PPCP team and share your ideas with us. |
Patient Resources 
