You are suspected of having or were diagnosed recently with swine influenza (swine flu).

Influenza can be transmitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is also possible to

become infected by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, and then touching your

own nose or mouth. Covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands with soap and water or

with an alcohol-based hand rub are essential in stopping the spread of influenza.

During the period that you have symptoms, especially fever, it is possible for you to transmit this

virus to those who have close contact with you (for example, someone living with or caring for

you). To help prevent transmission of influenza virus to your close contacts, the Health

guidelines:

HOME ISOLATION

Instructions for Suspected, Probable and Confirmed Swine

Influenza Cases

YOU SHOULD:

Stay at home for 7 days after the first day of fever or at least 24-48 hours after all symptoms

resolve, whichever is longer.

cigarettes or drinks with non-infected persons. Persons living in the home with you should limit

contact with you to the extent possible. Consider designating one person (not someone who is

pregnant) as the primary person who will care for you while you’re sick.

bedroom, if that’s possible.).

nose.

sneezing or throwing a used tissue in the garbage. Throw out your used tissues with your regular

garbage. Do not touch your nose, face or eyes after coughing or sneezing.

of surfaces that are frequently touched (such as door knobs or any other object that you sneeze

or cough on) may help prevent transmission. Clean all hard surfaces such as bedside tables,

bathroom surfaces, doorknobs, and children’ toys with a standard household disinfectant. If

surfaces are visibly dirty use a household cleaner first, then a disinfectant. Wash your hands after

cleaning the area.

and soap.

detergent. Linens and towels should also be tumble dried on a hot setting. It is not necessary to

separate soiled linen and laundry your laundry from other household laundry

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLOSE CONTACTS:

• Other household members should monitor themselves closely for the development of

• Sick persons should not have visitors while they are ill with influenza or an influenza-like

• All persons in the household, especially those who must come in close contact with the

• If someone else is doing laundry for the sick person, they should avoid “hugging” laundry

• Close contacts may consider using a facemask (e.g. surgical mask) or an N95 respirator.

You should only take medicine if your doctor prescribes it for you. For people with certain

underlying medical conditions, a medicine called either Tamiflu™ or Relenza™ may be

recommended. You should consult with your doctor to see if you need medicine. You should

also rest, drink plenty of liquids, and take medications that you would normally take to treat

your symptoms, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. People who are under 18 years of age

should NOT take aspirin or aspirin-containing products (e.g., Pepto-Bismol™), as this can cause

a rare serious illness called Reye’s Syndrome in young people with the flu.

emergency room, you should have a family member or friend drive you in a private car or take

nurse so that you can be put in a private room while you wait to see the doctor. You may be

asked to wear a mask and you should sit away from others as much as possible. If you call an

The Health Department is recommending preventive medication for household or other close

contacts who have an underlying condition (such as certain chronic medical conditions, being

immunocompromised, being <2 or > 65 years old) that may put them at risk for more severe

illness. To find out whether preventive medication such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) is

recommended, call a doctor.

CALL WHITESTONE AMBULANCE AT 718-767100 0R THE CITY FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

First be prepared: post the emergency telephone number on each phone. Businesses should include the location (Street address and/or floor and suite number) as well as any special dialing pre-fixes.

Recognize an emergency when you see one:

• Someone who has fallen and can't get up
• Chest pain lasting 2 minutes or more
• Uncontrolled bleeding or fracture
• A traffic accident, or debris along the roadway ... skid marks... or other clue that an accident has occurred.

Call  emergency number. Be prepared to tell:

1. What has happened
2. Where it has happened
3. Your telephone number

STAY ON THE LINE until the dispatcher hangs up. If at home, turn on your outside lights to help responders find your home. Also, make sure your house numbers are at least 4 inches tall and visible from the street. Have someone direct responders to the patient. Several vehicles may arrive, depending on your where you live.

QuickFirst Aid Tips

1. Do not move the patient unless the patient's location is an immediate threat to their life ... e.g., patient is in the water, a fire is burning in the building or vehicle, or there is no way to protect the patient from harm in their current location.
2. Protect the patient from the environment. Keep them covered.
3. If the patient is bleeding, apply a sterile bandage. If bleeding continues, apply additional dressings over the existing bandage. If possible, elevate the injury and apply direct pressure to the wound.
4. If the patient is not breathing or does not have a pulse, begin rescue breathing and/or CPR.
5. If you have not been trained in these important skills, contact WVAC, or your local American Red Cross chapter to arrange for a class.