CRMC: Ready to Fight the Flu
If you get the flu this season, chances are you'll be able to fight it off yourself with rest, fluids and maybe a dose of your mom's chicken soup.
In rare cases, though, flu symptoms become severe enough to require hospitalization. At Corona Regional Medical Center (CRMC), we stand ready to help our community fight both the seasonal and 2009 H1N1 (swine) flu and care for the most fragile victims.
Hospital treatment for both strains of flu is the same. It involves administering antiviral medications, providing respiratory support and isolating patients in private rooms.
CRMC has also taken steps to prevent staff members and guests from spreading the virus. Most hospital staff have already received the seasonal flu vaccine. Staff members who care for high-risk patients, such as Emergency Department and pediatric staff, have received the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine as well. Vaccination is ongoing for all staff, physicians and volunteers.
Preparations for fighting the spread of the flu, as well as any kind of contagious infection, are ongoing, says CRMC Infection Control Specialist Kristi Olguin, RN. "A year ago, we installed more alcohol hand gel dispensers throughout the hospital; there are now more than 300," she says. "We're also vigilant about source control, which means that we try to identify potential carriers -- both patients and guests -- as soon as they enter the hospital."
All inpatients are assessed for the flu, regardless of their reasons for admission. Guests who exhibit flu symptoms are asked to wear a mask or postpone visits until they are well. The minimum visiting age has temporarily been raised to age 18 to prevent children from catching or spreading the flu in the hospital.
Ms. Olguin and her staff also stay in daily contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and county public health departments, to monitor the flu pandemic and stay in continued compliance with federal and state guidelines.
STAY INFORMED
To learn more about 2009 H1N1 flu, please visit www.coronaregional.com. Under H1N1 Flu Information, click Read More.
