Local physicians approach flu cases similarly

As the H1N1 flu continues spreading, local physicians are trying to spread the news about their treatment of the flu.

Dr. Alan Moore said he and other ER physicians are supporting the CDC’s recommendation of treating flu symptoms.

“The CDC suggests treating the flu symptomatically, meaning, for example, that if a person has a fever, they should take a fever-reducing agent, such as Tylenol or Motrin,” said Moore. He adds that “unless a person is in a high risk group or has some sort of complication, such as dehydration or problems breathing, there is really no reason to come to the ED (Emergency Department) for treatment of the flu.”

Dr. Michael Lisenby, EAMC’s chief medical officer, adds that the CDC says Tamiflu and other antiviral — which costs about $100 for a 5-day prescription — should be reserved for patients who are either hospitalized with the flu or those at high-risk, such as pregnant women, children under 5, and those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.

“I would agree that Tamiflu should be used sparingly,” Lisenby said. “My biggest concern is that if it is over-prescribed, the virus will become resistant to it, and then we will be back at square one. Plus, it’s my opinion that it really only shortens your illness by about 24 hours.”

At The Pediatric Clinic, where the majority of area children’s cases are being seen, doctors say the number of patients has been high, but the symptoms have been relatively mild. In most cases, they are simply instructing parents to treat the symptoms with over-the-counter medicines. Only in cases where the child is in a high-risk category are they prescribing Tamiflu.

At the Auburn University Medical Clinic, Dr. Fred Kam said he agrees with treating the flu symptomatically, and using antiviral wisely.

“This isn’t a situation that is going to go away rapidly, so we have to be smart and vigilant,” Kam said. “It’s important that people who are sick know to stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours, and do their best not to spread the virus to other people.”

What you can do to stop the flu:

- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or with a hand sanitizer.

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve if you don’t have a tissue.

- Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.

- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

- If you do get the flu, the CDC recommends that you stay home for 7 days after symptoms begin, or until you are symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.

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EAMC issues flu alert visitor restrictions

For the health of the community as well as patients, East Alabama Medical Center has issued the following visitor restrictions.

These restrictions are currently in place because of the flu:
- People age 18 or younger are not permitted to visit. This age group has been found to be more susceptible to the flu, making it easier for them to catch the flu as well as transmit it.

- People with flu-like symptoms (fever, aches, sore throat, cough, etc.) are not permitted to visit. Also, it is suggested that people in poor health not visit as catching the flu could worsen their condition.

It’s okay to visit if you are age 19 or older and healthy, but you should follow these guidelines:
- Visitors must wash their hands before and after visiting a patient. Please use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (located throughout the hospital).

- Visitors should cough or sneeze into a tissue and then dispose of the tissue. Use your shirt sleeve if a tissue is not available.

Please be mindful of this other information as it relates to the flu:
- We ask that the number of visits and the length of visits be kept to a minimum. A good alternative for many patients is a telephone call. If you know your patient’s room number, you may call directly by dialing 528 and the room # (ex. 528-9999). Or, you may dial our switchboard at 749-3411 and they can connect you.

- Visits to critically ill patients or pediatric patients should be extremely limited.

- It’s possible that you may see hospital staff members wearing medical masks while caring for patients. This is to help protect our healthcare workers so that they remain available to care for our patients throughout the flu season.

Again, these restrictions are in place to protect our patients, our community and you. We appreciate your understanding and assistance as we work together to stop the spread of the flu.