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H1N1 (Swine) Flu
The outbreak of H1N1 (swine) flu continues to spread throughout Florida and the nation, with higher than average activity in Sarasota and surrounding counties. Although the illness remains fairly mild in our nation, the CDC urges caution and continued vigilance. Even mild flu strains pose risks to people, especially those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, children and living with chronic disease. All Floridians can help slow the spread of this virus by getting vaccinated as soon as possible and by washing their hands frequently and staying home from school or work if they become ill.
Infectious disease specialists at Sarasota Memorial continue to work closely with federal, state and local health officials to monitor and help manage this evolving situation. We’ve taken a number of precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus within the hospital, including careful screening for influenza-like illness of people who come to our outpatient centers and Emergency Care Center, as well as ongoing monitoring of patients and staff in the hospital. We continue to implement emerging guidelines issued by the World Health Organization, CDC and Florida Department of Health to help manage the care of patients who potentially suffer from the H1N1 virus and stand ready to take additional steps as needed to help assure the safety of patients, visitors, staff and the community.
| Note to Visitors
| | We want to provide the best and safest care for our patients, families and staff in the hospital. So if you’re sick, please do not visit others in the hospital. Effective Monday, Nov. 2, visitors below the age of 18 will not be allowed in Women and Children’s Services units (Mother-Baby, Labor & Delivery, Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Antepartum) to protect infant and pediatric patients who are particularly susceptible to the H1N1 virus, as well as pregnant and post-partum patients who are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu. Exceptions will be made for visitors under 18 who are parents of SMH patients, and for certain emergency situations. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. |
Vaccine Now Available
The Sarasota County Health Department is receiving weekly shipments of H1N1 vaccine and offering free voluntary vaccinations to children and adults based on priorities established by the CDC. Enough vaccine should be available to everyone who wants it by the middle of November. Visit the Sarasota County Health Department website (www.sarasotahealth.org) for H1N1 flu vaccine information. For dates of school-based clinics for pre-K and elementary school-age children, call the Health Department’s school health office at 927-9000 ext. 32101.
Attention Pregnant Women
Click Here to Read An Important Message About H1N1 Vaccine & Pregnancy
By Washington C. Hill, M.D., FACOG, Medical Director, Labor and Delivery
Director, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Sarasota Memorial Hospital
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