H1N1 (Swine) Flu Update…
June 11, 2009
The World Health Organization has raised the alert level to 6 today declaring a swine flu pandemic— the first global flu epidemic in 41 years — as infections climbed in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America and elsewhere. The level has been raised in response to the fact that the virus is now reaching globally but there is no indication the virus has increased in severity. At this early stage, the pandemic can be characterized globally as being moderate in severity. The agency has stressed that most cases are mild and require no treatment, but the fear is that a rash of new infections could overwhelm hospitals and health authorities — especially in poorer countries.
In the U.S., the CDC and state officials have confirmed a total of 13,217 cases H1N1 (Swine influenza A) influenza cases reported as of Thursday June 4, 2009 with 27 cases resulting in death. Updates are provided on Fridays so that number is likely to climb.
Globally 74 countries had reported nearly 27,737 cases of swine flu, including 141 deaths.
Despite WHO's hopes, raising the epidemic alert to the highest level will almost certainly spark some panic about spread of swine flu.
The U.S. government has already taken steps like increasing availability of flu-fighting medicines and authorizing $1 billion for the development of a new vaccine against the novel virus. In addition, new cases seem to be declining in many parts of the country, U.S. health officials say, as North America moves out of its traditional winter flu season.
The move to a level 6 is not meant to cause a “panic” but rather to keep people aware that the swine flu is still spreading and people should continue to follow precautions to prevent spread of the swine flu.
Prevention is the best measure! Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it then WASH YOUR HANDS.
- WASH YOUR HANDS often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Some questions to ask when you have concerns about employees who may show signs of symptoms or have traveled recently include:
Have you been exposed to anyone in the last seven days with flu like symptoms including fever, body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion, vomiting or diarrhea?
Have you yourself experienced any flu like symptoms in the last seven days including fever, body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion, vomiting or diarrhea?
Have you traveled to any areas that have had confirmed diagnosis of H1N1 in the last ten days?
While traveling (bus, plane, taxi, boat etc) were you exposed to anyone who was coughing or sneezing around you?
If you or one of your employees experience symptoms, please see your health care provider or stop in at any of our Adult Quick Care locations for diagnosis and treatment. AQC has rapid influenza test kits available.
Patients who test positive for influenza A should begin treatment as soon as possible after getting sick. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu ®) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza ®) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
For more information about Swine Influenza visit the CDC web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
If you or an employee have symptoms or feel you need treatment, visit Adult Quick Care at one of our convenient locations:
1650 Broadway, Kansas City MO 64108 ♦ Clinic Hours: Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
19000 E. Eastland Center Court, Suite 300, Independence MO 64055 ♦ Clinic Hours: Mon-Fri 8am – 10pm
10415 Lackman Road, Lenexa KS 66219 ♦ Clinic Hours: Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
1333 Meadowlark Lane, Suite 200, Kansas City KS 66102 ♦ Clinic Hours: Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
904 Edmond Street, St. Joseph MO 64501 ♦ Clinic Hours: Mon-Fri 7am – 5pm
6501 E. Commerce Ave, Suite 110, Kansas City MO 64120 ♦ Clinic Hours: Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
13830 S. US Highway 71, Grandview MO 64030 ♦ Clinic Hours: Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
No appointment is necessary at Adult Quick Care.
816-559-6320 ♦ www.AdultQuickCare.com ♦ 816-559-6318 (fax)
***In addition to the above locations, Adult Quick Care also has a retail location called Quick Care in Raymore, MO with evening and weekend hours. Quick Care is located inside Cosentino’s Price Chopper at 900 West Foxwood Drive, Raymore MO 64083. Clinic hours are Mon-Fri 9am – 7pm and Sat 9am – 5pm. No appointment is necessary. Call 816-322-3521 for more information or visit www.quickcaremidwest.com.
*Please feel free to forward this information to any member of management in your company who would benefit from it.*
To view the Tip of the Week in Spanish please visit our Tip of the Week library at http://www.ohscompcare.com/totw/.
To learn more about
services OHS-COMPCARE has to offer, contact our Client Services
Team at (816) 561-2105 option 1 or by e-mail at customerservice@ohscompcare.com. You can also visit us at www.ohscompcare.com.
Why choose us? Because OHS-COMPCARE has a physician on call 24/7/365 days a year to respond to our client's needs.
OHS-COMPCARE has seven (7) area clinical facilities:
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Independence Clinical Facility |
Johnson County Clinical Facility |
St. Joseph Clinical Facility |
Grandview Clinical Facility |
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19000 E. Eastland Center Crt, St. 200 |
10415 Lackman Road |
904 Edmond Street |
13830 S Us Highway 71 |
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Independence, MO 64055 |
Lenexa, KS 66219 |
St. Joseph, MO 64501 |
Grandview, MO 64030 |
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816-478-9299 |
913-495-9905 |
816-233-7702 |
816-761-4664 |
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After Hours Available |
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KCMO/Broadway Clinical Facility |
KCMO/Front Street Clinical Facility |
Wyandotte County Clinical Facility |
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1650 Broadway |
6501 East Commerce, Suite 110 |
1333 Meadowlark Lane, Suite 200 |
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Kansas City, MO 64108 |
Kansas City, MO 64120 |
Kansas City, KS 66102 |
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816-842-2020 |
816-483-5550 |
913-596-2774 |
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