Essential Swine Flu Information

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C), sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Regular hand-washing is an important method of preventing the spread of influenza virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends: Avoid contact with ill persons. When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue). Throw used tissues in a trash can. After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel. If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible. Stay at home or in your hotel room. Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing). There are antiviral medications for prevention and treatment of swine flu that a doctor can prescribe. Do not go to work, school, or travel while ill.

Swine flu-related web sites Indiana University Emergency Preparedness site IUPUI Emergency Preparedness Site Indiana Department of Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Important updates regarding the current swine flu updates from IU School of Medicine, Indiana and federal agencies will be posted or referenced here as they are received.

IU School of Medicine Updates

May 8, 2009

Clarian Health announced it has lifted its temporary visitor restriction and has returned to its normal visitation policy.

May 1, 2009

As a precaution against the potential threat of the swine flue (H1N1 influenza) virus, Clarian Health is temporarily restricting non-essential patient visitors at its downtown hospitals - Methodist and Indiana University hospitals (including the IU Simon Cancer Center) and Riley Hospital for Children. Only essential adult visitors - parents, spouse/domestic partner and spiritual counselors - will be allowed to visit hospitalized patients. Clarian also is asking families to limit the number of people accompanying patients to the emergency room, outpatient surgery waiting rooms and procedure areas, and primary care and specialist physician offices.

April 30, 2009

H1N1 influenza FAQ: A set of questions and answers regarding swine flu (H1N1 influenza) has been posted here.

April 29, 2009

Consensus statements on infection control, testing, treatment and prophylaxis for Marion County have been distributed by Stephen J. Wilson, MD, MPH, assocate professor of clinical medicine and hospital epidemiologist and medical director, infection control, for Wishard Memorial Hospital and Roudebush VA Medical Center, following a meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at the Marion County Health Department.

April 27, 2009

"Key Points For IU Medical Center Patient Care Providers" has been distributed by Stephen J. Wilson, MD, MPH, assocate professor of clinical medicine and hospital epidemiologist and medical director, infection control, for Wishard Memorial Hospital and Roudebush VA Medical Center. Health care providers are encouraged to review these guidelines.

Indiana State Department of Health Updates

May 1, 2009

The CDC has confirmed two additional cases of the swine flue (H1N1 influenza) in Indiana, in Marion County. As a precaution, Marion County Health Director Virginia Caine, M.D., announced she is closing two schools that have confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus: IPS School 60 and Spring Mill Elementary School. The schools will be closed beginning Monday, May 4 and are scheduled to re-open Monday, May 11.

April 28, 2009

The Indiana State Department of Health reported that a sample it had sent for testing to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed a case of swine flu. The patient, confirmed to be a student at the University of Notre Dame, is not seriously ill, State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe told reporters at a morning news conference. Dr. Monroe continued to urge the use of infection prevention procedures, such as frequent hand washing.

April 27, 2009

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) announced they are closely monitoring human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection identified in the United States and have intensified surveillance among flu sentinel physicians in the state. ISDH has also sent information to public health workers over the Indiana Health Alert Network and will share with physicians the interim guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The IDHS is urging public safety professionals, including paramedics, EMTs, police officers, firefighters, and emergency management workers, to take necessary precautions to safeguard their health as they interact and preserve the safety of the public.

For updates on the current Human Swine Influenza A (H1N1) investigation, the Indiana State Department of Health and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security have created a Twitter profile.  Follow the Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/ISDH_IDHS.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisories

The CDC has created and is regularly updating its web site on swine flu developments. It includes tips on staying healthy, updates on reported cases and:

• Guidance for health care professionals
• Press briefings
• Travel notices

The CDC site includes information for receiving updates via email, RSS feeds and Twitter.