Seasonal/H1N1 Flu

Lutheran Senior Life communities are following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines in an effort to prevent and control influenza should it affect our communities. We have also taken measures to secure sufficient supply of anticipated medications and supplies should an outbreak occur in one of our communities.

The primary signs and symptoms of seasonal and H1N1 Flu are fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and muscle aches. Vomiting and diarrhea have been present in some cases. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor about prescription anti-viral medications. These drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster.

On behalf of our residents, we want to remind visitors that if you are experiencing any of these flu-like symptoms or any other symptom that could indicate a possible cold or flu, we cannot permit you to visit our residents until you are symptom-free.

According to the CDC's website, people infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. Please know that we and our residents appreciate all visitors, but we must take this precaution in the best interest of all of our residents. Exceptions may be considered on an individual basis.

Diane Martinez, Interim Executive Director at Saint John Specialty Care Center said their facility is following official information outlined on the www.flu.gov website to help set their guidelines for keeping their residents from contacting seasonal or H1N1 flu. According to this website, everyone over the age of 50 should get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible. The site also recommends that seniors who have health conditions with higher risk of flu complications plan to have the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes available. These health conditions include cancer, blood disorders, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, asthma and HIV.

The CDC recommends taking the following steps to avoid contracting seasonal or H1N1 flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

If you have any question regarding individual visitation policies for any of the Lutheran SeniorLife communities, a member of administration would be happy to speak with you. For more information regarding the seasonal and H1N1 flu, visit their website at www.flu.gov