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News from Lower Umpqua Hospital
The Swine Flu (H1N1) Written by Scott K. Hall, MLS, RT
The Swine Flu (H1N1) virus is life-threatening for some patients and mild for
most that are infected. No immunization program is 100% effective for any of
these flu strains. However; if a sufficient number of cases are not prevented,
we can expect a large number of critically ill patients filling all
tertiary-level intensive care beds. Unlike most seasonal influenza strains, this
pandemic (H1N1) strain seems to invade the lower airway and alveoli, not just
the upper airways, resulting in more severe illness. The worlds experience so
far tells us that serious illness associated with this virus often manifests as
acute lung injury resulting in overwhelming hypoxemia. Advanced life-support
technologies often are required to save these patients lives.
Here at Lower Umpqua Hospital we have been working diligently for preparing for
this epidemic. Some of the things we have done are:
Acquired another portable respirator (Grant and LUH Auxiliary monies)
Installed a hand-washing station as you enter the hospital
Participating in the Health Emergency Response Taskforce (HERT)
Working with the County and Local Public Health
Working with the Region 3 Regional Preparedness Coordinator Tracy DePew
Working with State Public Health
Working with surrounding area hospitals in preparation for epidemics and
disasters
Using the National Strategic Plan for Emergency Department Management of
Outbreaks of Novel H1N1 Influenza
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Seek emergency medical care if you are ill and have any of the following warning
signs.
Signs in children include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
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 a worse cough
Signs in adults include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough
Oregon Swine Flu Hotline (M-F 8am to 5pm) 1-800-978-3040
