H1N1 (swine) flu and Community Hospital
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula is committed to the health and safety of our community. During the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic, we need your help to protect our patients, visitors, and staff.
Visitors under age 18 not allowed in the main hospital or at Westland House. We are restricting visitors by age because the U.S. Centers for Disease Control says that H1N1 influenza is more likely to occur, and to be more serious, among children and young people. People can be infectious even before symptoms appear, so we are taking this extra precaution to protect patients, visitors, and staff.
Please do not visit a patient in the hospital if you are ill. This helps limit the spread of infection, enabling us to maintain a healthy, healing environment.
Instead, visit by phone. You can also ask to speak to a nurse to learn about a patient's condition.
Limiting visitors to patients in isolation. We are limiting the number of visitors to patients in isolation to two designated visitors per day. We are doing this in part to help manage our resources such as masks, which are in short supply nationally.
Prevention: Your key to staying healthy
- Get vaccinated with both types of flu shots (pandemic and seasonal flu).
- Keep your hands clean with hand sanitizer or soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs are spread this way.
- Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with people with flu-like illness.
Symptoms
The symptoms of pandemic H1N1 flu virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include the following:
- Fever (temperature of 100 degrees F. or above)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur
If you are ill
- Stay home, drink plenty of liquids, and rest.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Cough into your elbow rather than covering your mouth with your hands or use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Clean your hands.
- Keep away from others as much as possible.
- Visit with friends by phone.
- Avoid travel.
- Do not go to work or school until 24 hours after your fever is gone.
Seeking medical attention
Most people recover without medical care. However, you should consult with your doctor or go to an urgent care clinic promptly if you experience any of the following warning signs:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Pain or pressure in the chest
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Confusion
- Flu symptoms improve but then return and worsen
The hospital Emergency department should be used only when emergency-level care is needed.
Where to get seasonal or H1N1 vaccines
- Your doctor
- Central Coast Visiting Nurse Association, 648-3777
- Monterey County Department of Health, 796-1280
Click here for schedules.
Vaccines for H1N1 flu should be available soon.
More flu information
Click on these links for the latest on:
