Release Date: October 15, 2009
From Carolinas HealthCare System Public Information 704-355-3141
Carolinas HealthCare System Flu Update Bulletin
Please, spread the word… H1N1 and Seasonal Flu can be very serious! While the majority of those who are hit with the Flu bug weather it with a few days of rest at home, the milder symptoms may quickly evolve to a very dangerous illness for a small percentage of individuals. And in these situations, seek emergency care immediately! What to watch for when the Flu gets dangerous?
Here are the emergency warning signs for children:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Other flu-season updates:
• At present, supplies of seasonal flu vaccine are severely limited. Carolinas HealthCare physicians are now administering seasonal vaccine only to high risk patients.
• Also at this time, H1N1 vaccine supplies have begun to arrive, but are sporadic. Until supplies stabilize and we are better able to determine distribution, it is not possible to predict how and when we will be distributing vaccine widely to our patients Please check the Stop The Flu page on www.carolinasmedicalcenter.org for up to date or changing information.
CHS will issue new Flu Update Bulletins as conditions or situations change.
