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Take Measures To Prevent Flu Muncy Valley Hospital Limits Visitors

By Staff | Nov 17, 2009

Now that President Obama has declared the United States a state of emergency, more than ever cautions need to be taken for prevention and treatment.

Dr. George Manchester, chief medical officer for Susquehanna Health advises us to know that there is a strong possibility that resources will be strained if the current trend of increasing illness continues.

“While the production and the availability of the flu vaccine is considerably behind schedule, Susquehanna Health has taken a number of actions to deal with the evolving challenge,” he said.

Effective immediately at all Susquehanna Health facilities including Muncy Valley Hospital, no visitors with signs and symptoms of a cold will be allowed, no one under the age of 18 and only immediate family members may visit which is limited to only two visitors at a time. And, only one visitor at a time is allowed in the Emergency department.

Dr. Manchester states that the vast majority of cases may be safely treated at home with over the counter medications for elevated temperatures and general body aches.

What are the symptoms and when should I keep my child home from shcool are two important questions parents are continuing to ask the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respirtatory illness caused by viruses. The flu is different from a cold. It usually comes on suddenly and may include the following symptoms:

fever

headache

extreme tiredness

dry cough

runny or stuffy nose

muscle aches

stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

These symptoms are usually referred to as flu like symptoms.

According to the CDC, anyone can get the flu, but the disease is more severe for some than others. Most people who get the flu will recover in just a few days to less than two weeks with very little complications. Others are more at risk and could develop more severe complications such as pneumonia. In the United States about 15 percent of the population gets influenza each year.

Those who are 65 and older and those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes are more likely to get complications from the flu. Other complications are sinus and ear infections. People with chronic congestive heart failure may have worsening conditions triggered by the flu.

“Definitely seek medical attention if the patient is unable to take in enough liquid to maintain hydration, develops shortness of breath, is unable to maintain a temperature of 102 degrees with medication or if symptoms persist longer than three days without improvement,” says Dr. Manchester.

Other respiratory illnesses can cause similar symptoms to the flu.

Susquehanna Health is working on setting up a flu treatment area adjacent to the Emergency department at the Williamsport Regional Medical Center. It will be operational daily from 4:30 p.m. to 830 p.m. The start date will be announced in the near future.