For additional information, visit H1N1 Flu Resources for Businesses and Employers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Press Release
Preparing for Influenza
(Morehead City, May 8, 2009) The flu season in Carteret County began more than a month later than usual this year, and with the appearance of the new strain of the flu we expect the flu season to be extended for an indefinite period of time. Since there is not a vaccine available for the most recent strain of the flu there may be more cases of the flu than normal in this extended season. The new H1N1 flu has not caused serious illness, but does produce the usual respiratory illness and fever.
The flu is very contagious and is spread by respiratory droplets. In an effort to limit the spread of the flu we ask that you please refrain from visiting the hospital if you are ill or if you have been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with the flu. The signs and symptoms of the flu are: fever, sore throat, runny nose, chest congestion, nausea and/or diarrhea. You may be contagious for several days before you show sign and symptoms of the flu.
All patients hospitalized flu patients will be placed on isolation precautions. The sign on the door to the patient’s room will indicate what barrier must be worn when entering the patient’s room. These precautions must be strictly followed. Failure to observe precautions will result in you being asked to leave the hospital. We also ask you to limit visitors to two visitors per patient at any one time and do not bring children under the age of twelve to visit hospitalized patients.
If you have exposure to or symptoms of the flu, and require treatment or testing at the hospital, you will be asked to wear a mask and to wash your hands. While these actions may seem extreme we feel they are necessary to protect our patients and staff and to limit the spread of the flu in our community.
You can protect yourself from the flu and prevent its spread by getting adequate rest, eating a nutritious diet, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and by staying home when you are sick. Remember to cover your cough, through your tissues away immediately after use and WASH YOUR HANDS frequently.