April 27, 2009

Health Advisory

Hospital Officials Encourage Community Awareness with Outbreak of Swine Flu

As you may know, several cases of swine flu have recently been reported in the United States. While none of the confirmed cases have been located in the D.C. metropolitan area, the community is being urged to be aware of the symptoms of swine flu and to take steps in order to avoid passing on the highly contagious illness.

To avoid possible spreading of the swine flu, health officials are asking people who may be experiencing any of the symptoms listed below to call ahead before visiting your doctor's office or an emergency room. Here are the phone numbers of our three area emergency rooms in order to call if you cannot reach your doctor and if you think you or someone you know may be experiencing the symptoms of swine flu listed below:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the signs and symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu.

Swine Flu Symptoms & Signs

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea and vomiting have also been associated with swine flu.

Flu Vaccines

Finally, one important note about swine flu is that seasonal influenza vaccines do not appear to provide any protection against this illness

Confirmed Swine Flu Cases Map