Lock Haven Hospital Monitoring Swine Flu Outbreak

Lock Haven, PA.  April 27th –

There have been no reported cases of swine flu at Lock Haven Hospital.   The hospital is working with a heightened awareness about this situation and reinforcing flu precautions with our medical team.  We are also closely monitoring the progression of swine flu cases reported in the US and following hospital-specific readiness guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to other flu conditions and can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and runny or stuffy nose.  Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.  The CDC recommends that individuals with flu-like symptoms contact their primary care physician.

Good health habits are especially important now to help stop the spread of germs and include covering coughs, frequent hand washing and avoiding contaminated surfaces. Individuals with flu-like symptoms should minimize close contact with others by staying home from school and work to help avoid spreading any potential illness to other people.

The hospital is aware of cases in five states (California, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Texas) as well as Mexico.  The hospital will continue to monitor the activity and informational reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our local and state health departments.

Facts relating to Swine flu include:

• Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs.  People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.   Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person to person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.


• You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products.  Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.


• CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) is contagious and is spreading from human to human.  However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus is spreads between people.


• Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to symptoms of regular human flu and include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue and runny or stuffy nose.  Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.


• Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir.


• Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza.  Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their nose and mouth.


• To prevent getting the flu, first and and most important, Wash Your Hands frequently, try to stay in good general health, get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.  Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  If you are feeling ill yourself, contact your doctor and minimize close contact with others to avoid spreading any potential illness and stay home from work or school.