St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital shares our community’s concern regarding swine flu, and wants you to know:

• Visitors under the age of 12 are not permitted (unless seeking care or under special circumstances).
• Swine flu (H1N1) is a type of Influenza A, and typically causes the same symptoms associated with standard flu, such as coughing, sneezing, fever, body ache, etc.
• The treatment for swine flu is typically the same as for any flu virus – bed rest, fluids, and in some cases, antiviral medication under your physician’s direction.
• In most people, the symptoms subside in five to seven days. Those experiencing potentially life-threatening symptoms (such as high fever and shortness of breath) should seek medical attention.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Department of Health are the only organizations that can process and identify swine flu. At present, only select Influenza A cases from around the nation are being tested for the swine flu virus, as government agencies are interested in identifying new clusters of disease across the country.

• The New York State Department of Health has established a hotline for information on the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine and disease. The hotline is prepared to handle questions from the public and the medical community on H1N1 disease, vaccines, how to obtain vaccine, and the new regulations requiring influenza vaccination in certain health care facilities. To access the hotline, dial 1-800-808-1987.

To avoid the spread of any flu virus, it is recommended you:

• Avoid close contact
  Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick
  If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose
  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Wash your hands
  Wash your hands often to help protect against germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits
  Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

For more information about flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control, or New York State Department of Health.