Cape Fear Valley Health System Flu Information Page

In order to prevent the spread of flu, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital have implemented a new patient visitation policy. The policy restricts children up to age 18 from visiting the hospital at this time. It also limits visitors to one per patient in the Emergency Department due to the increase in flu cases in the area. The policy's goal is to the prevent the spread of flu and flu-like illnesses among patients, staff and visitors who come to the hospital and Emergency Department.

If you do get flu-like symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends you stay home from work or school so you don’t infect others. If needed, people should call their primary care provider to get medical advice, rather than going to the Emergency Department.

The H1N1 flu variant (also known as Swine Flu) has already begun impacting the community through marked increases in pediatric flu cases being treated at Cape Fear Valley Health System. Swine flu symptoms are similar to regular flu symptoms. They include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Warning signs in children that require urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Dehydration
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or sluggishness
• Irritability or not wanting to be held
• If flu-like symptoms improve only to return with fever and worse cough

Adult warning signs that may require urgent care include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• If flu-like symptoms improve only to return with fever and worse cough

The CDC is recommending the public get two flu vaccinations this year: the regular seasonal flu vaccination, as well as the H1N1 vaccination. Seasonal flu vaccinations are already available through many clinics, doctors' offices and hospitals. The H1N1 vaccination is expected to be available starting mid-October. Cape Fear Valley Health System is partnering with Maxim Healthcare to offer Flee the Flu clinics in the community throughout October and November. Click here to download a calendar of dates and times.

For more information, as well as handy tips and guidelines for you and your family, go to www.flu.gov.