H1N1 OB VACCINATION CLINICS TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND November 4, 2009

 

Lee Memorial Health System, in collaboration with the Lee County Health Department, will offer free H1N1 vaccinations this weekend at HealthPark Medical Center and Cape Coral hospital to pregnant women.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. women who are expecting and have not yet received an H1N1 vaccination are encouraged to participate in an OB vaccination clinic. 

At HealthPark Medical Center, located at Summerlin and Bass Road, in the atrium (use entrance A or entrance B) volunteers will greet you and assist with registration. 

The clinic at Cape Coral Hospital is being held in the Life Center, south of the emergency department with parking in front and in back of the hospital, where volunteers will also greet and assist you.

It is not necessary to arrive early to receive the vaccination. The doors will not open until 9 a.m. and the process should move very quickly, even if there is a large crowd.  The average time to register and receive the vaccine at the recent H1N1 Vaccination Clinics held by the Lee County Health Department was only 12 minutes. We hope to provide the same level of service at Saturday’s clinics.

These clinics are for pregnant women only.  Only pregnant women will receive the vaccination at these clinics. While everyone should eventually be vaccinated, these clinics are to meet the needs for the first priority group, a high risk category – pregnant women.

There are a number of resources available for additional information on influenza activity. The Florida Department of Health toll-free number provides public health information and updates on H1N1 Swine flu.  The information line is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT, seven days a week.  Information is available in English, Spanish and Creole. The Florida Flu Information Line is 1-877-352-3581.

 

For web-based information please visit any of the following websites:

Lee County Health Department, www.LeeCHD.com

Florida Department of Health, http://www.doh.state.fl.us/DEMO/php/FluInfo.htm

My Safe Florida, www.myflusafety.com

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

The World Health Organization, (WHO), http://www.who.int/en/

Flu.gov, http://www.flu.gov/

HAS H1N1 CHANGED YOUR BEHAVIOR? October 20, 2009

Many people are planning to take special steps at work in an effort to avoid getting sick this flu season.  According to ComPsych Corporation’s Tell It Now survey, the H1N1 flu has prompted more than 70-percent to change their behavior in an effort to stay healthy.  Nearly 50-percent say they are more likely to wash their hands, avoid shaking hands and other physical contact with others, and avoid touching surfaces in the workplace.  Eight-percent note it’s more likely they’ll stay home if they’re feeling ill, and 16-percent admit they’re more inclined to get a flu shot this year.  However, 29-percent say flu season and the prevalence of H1N1 isn’t influencing any behavior changes.

Have you changed your behavior to keep from getting H1N1? Let us know….

 
Metro Networks Communications Inc., A Westwood One Company

ELMO! September 1, 2009

Sesame Street’s” Elmo Joins Flu Fight

  A beloved “Sesame Street” character is joining the fight against swine flu. Elmo is seen in public service announcements encouraging kids to adopt healthy habits that can help stem the spread of the illness. The spots were the result of a partnership between Sesame Workshop and several federal government agencies, including the department of health and human services. Elmo tells children about good habits such as frequent hand washing on the announcement. The announcements continue Sesame Workshop’s efforts against swine flu that began with the first knowledge of the illness in the spring.

Westwood One Wire

H1N1/SWINE FLU August 26, 2009

School is back in session for many area children. The school year traditionally brings an increase in illnesses to the classrooms and into our homes. This is of particular concern due to the continued spread of the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu. There is a strong concern that a large number of local residents will be affected by H1N1 during the normal flu season, occurring later this year.

In preparation for the increase in traffic and potential spread of germs, Lee Memorial Health System will implement a revised version of the visitation policies at Cape Coral Hospital, Lee Memorial Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, The Rehabilitation Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center, and The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

These temporary precautions, meant to keep our community as healthy as possible, are as follows:

• Children under the age of 12 will not have access to adult critical care areas of the hospitals, the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), and the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit).
• Patients, families and visitors are strongly encouraged not to bring children under the age of 12 to the hospitals for visitation.
• If you have flu-like symptoms, it is highly recommended you wear a mask while in public. If seeking medical treatment, inform the medical staff immediately that you may have the flu.

It’s important to remember that contracting the swine flu is not necessarily a reason to panic. The public is encouraged to stay informed and educated about the H1N1 virus.

Additional good health practices to help prevent the spread of germs include washing your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds; cough into a tissue or sleeve; avoid large crowds and enclosed spaces when possible; and stay home from work or school if you are feeling ill.