H1N1 (Swine Flu)
The Centers for Disease Control is forecasting an increased volume of H1N1 (swine flu) cases this fall. Unlike most flu viruses, H1N1 has concentrated primarily among children and young adults. Places like pediatric clinics and schools have the potential to become an incubator for the spread of the virus.
APT is taking several steps to aid in prevention efforts among our patients. We have installed hand-sanitizing liquid dispensers at each entrance desk and in all treatment rooms.
To ensure that our prevention efforts are successful, we also need your help. Here are a few things you can do to help us:
- Please make sure your child washes their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. You can set a good example by doing this yourself.
- Instruct your older child to cover up their coughs or sneezes using the elbow, arm or sleeve instead of the hand when a tissue is unavailable.
- Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Symptoms of the flu include fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Some children may also vomit or have diarrhea.
- Please do not bring your child to the clinic if she or he is sick. If your child is sick, keep him or her home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have fever or do not have signs of fever, without using fever-reducing drugs. Keeping your child with a fever at home will reduce the number of others who may get infected.
For more information, we encourage you to visit www.flu.gov,
or call 1-800-CDC-INFO for the most current information about the virus.
Infection Control Guidelines (PDF, 16KB)