Due to the rapid increase in people experiencing influenza-like illnesses, especially
youngsters and teens, WMHS is asking that anyone under the age of 18 not visit patients at
Braddock or Memorial Hospitals or the Frostburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center until
further notice.

In addition, no visitors under the age of 12 are permitted for the Perinatal Unit. This includes
the siblings of new babies. All other visitors to the Perinatal Unit will be screened for flu-like
symptoms and those exhibiting signs and symptoms will be restricted from visiting.

As announced earlier, anyone who is experiencing flu-like symptoms should not be visiting
patients in the hospitals or residents in the nursing home at this time.

Your assistance in helping to communicate this information to patients’ families is
appreciated.

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information

The H1N1 virus is a constantly evolving situation and the Western Maryland Health System (WMHS) in partnership with the Allegany County Health Department (ACHD) continue to remain on high alert.  We are committed to providing the community with the most up-to-date information about the diagnosis, treatment, and response to the H1N1 flu virus. 

WMHS and ACHD are working very closely with local, state, and federal agencies to monitor cases of H1N1 and prevent the virus from spreading.  It is extremely important to know how to minimize the chance that you or a member of your family will contract the virus.  It is also essential that you know what to do in the event that someone in your family becomes ill with the H1N1 virus.

Here is some helpful information about what to do if you get sick with the flu this season (from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):  

• How do I know if I have the flu?  You may have the flu if you have some or all of
these symptoms: Fever (not everyone with the flu will have a fever); cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose; body aches; headache; chills; fatigue; and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.  Symptoms of the H1N1 virus are the same except that a fever of 100 degrees or higher is present.

• What should I do if I get sick?  If you get sick with flu-like symptoms this flu
season, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.  Most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu. 

• When do I go to the Emergency Room?  The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick.  You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room.  If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice.  If you go to the emergency room and you are not sick with the flu, you may catch it from people who do have it.

• Who is at risk for complications?  However, some people are more likely to get flu complications and they should talk to a health care pro¬vider about whether they need to be examined if they get flu symptoms this season.  They are: children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old; people 65 and older; pregnant women; and people who have: cancer; blood disorders (including sickle cell disease); chronic lung disease (including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD); diabetes; heart disease; kidney disorders; liver disorders; neurological disorders (including nervous system, brain or spinal cord); neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis); weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS).  Also, it is possible for healthy people to develop severe illness from the flu so anyone concerned about their illness should consult a health care provider.  There are emergency warning signs.  Anyone who has them should get medical care right away.

• What are the emergency warning signs?

In children:
 - Fast breathing or trouble breathing
 - Bluish skin color 
 - Not drinking enough fluids 
 - Not waking up or not interacting
 - Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
 - Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
 - Fever with a rash

In adults:
 - Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath 
 - Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen 
 - Sudden dizziness 
 - Confusion 
 - Severe or persistent vomiting

The Allegany County Health Department has taken the lead in coordinating the local effort to inform the public and the healthcare community.  The ACHD web site at: http://www.alleganyhealthdept.com; includes a comprehensive guide to all of the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu web resources in one conveniently located site.  For additional information, please contact your primary healthcare provider or call the Allegany County Health Department H1N1 Information Hotline at 301-759-5055.