H1N1 Vaccine Available Only in FluMist Form for First Priority Group

– Flu Clinic This Friday, 4-7 p.m. –

Platte Valley Medical Center will host its first H1N1 vaccination clinic this Friday, October 30, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms A & B. The current vaccine available is FluMist and will only be available to the following groups based on recommendations by the Colorado Department of Public Health:

• Individual household contacts of children under 6 months of age (these individuals must be healthy with no underlying health conditions and between the ages of two and 49). 
• Healthy

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October 15, 2009

Dear Patients and Visitors,

This is the most severe flu season in recent history. We expect more people will become sick due to the addition of 2009 H1N1 flu, together with seasonal flu, coughs and colds.

To help avoid the spread of these infections, Platte Valley Medical Center is implementing the following visitor restrictions as recommended by the Colorado Department of Public Health*:

1. No ill visitors of any age allowed throughout the hospital, especially in the Medical/Surgical Unit, Women’s and Newborn Center, and Intensive Care Unit.

2. No more than four (4) adult visitors at a … …more

If you have the flu and are experiencing any of the following complications related to the flu, you should go to the hospital for care.    

Emergency warning signs for children include:

1.)     Fast or difficult breathing

2.)     Bluish or gray skin color

3.)     Not drinking enough fluids

4.)     Severe or persistent vomiting

5.)     Not waking up or not interacting

6.)     Being so irritable that the child doesn’t want to be held

7.)     Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Emergency warning signs for adults include:

1.)     Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

2.)     Pain or … …more

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has set up a phone line to handle calls related to this year’s 2009-2010 Influenza Season.

If you have questions and want to speak to someone, call: 1-877-462-2911.… …more

YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, WE HAVE ANSWERS 

“With the addition of the H1N1 flu this year, we’re finding that more people may become sick,” states Platte Valley Medical Center Community Outreach Director Peggy Jarrett. “This is why it is so important to get immunized and protected. We are doing our best to make it as easy as possible to provide information and help our community obtain vaccinations.” 

 Below are the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate the months ahead:

 WHAT IS THE FLU?

The flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by influenza … …more

Other Flu/Pneumonia/Tdap Clinics Not Held at PVMC.

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“With the addition of the H1N1 flu this year, we’re finding that more people may become sick,” states Platte Valley Medical Center Community Outreach Director Peggy Jarrett. “This is why it is so important to get immunized and protected. We are doing our best to make it as easy as possible to provide information and help our community obtain vaccinations.” Make sure to visit our Q&A section to get answers to your questions.… …more

U.S. Issues Swine Flu Guidelines for Day-Care Programs

2009-Sep-04 

FRIDAY, Sept. 4 (HealthDay News) — Since children under the age of 5 are at particular risk for complications from the H1N1 swine flu, U.S. health officials issued new guidelines Friday designed to limit the spread of the virus in early childhood programs, such as day-care centers and Head Start programs.

“While we think everybody should take the flu seriously, children less than 5 years old are at high risk for complications from the flu,” U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius said during a morning press conference. “Tragically, … …more