Paloma home health agency

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION

Website www.palomahomehealth.com 

Email info@palomahomehealth.com 

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Phone: 972-346-2013

Fax: 214-975-6175

On call: 214-606-0931

Physical Address: 2611 Westgrove Drive Suite 113 Carrollton Texas 75006

 

We are here to serve your patients and meet their needs. We have Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean speakers available for your patients. We pride ourselves in excellent patient care.

HYPERTENSION EDUCATION PAMPHLET

Hypertension refers to a condition of elevated blood pressure. It has been called "the silent killer" because it usually doesn't cause symptoms for many years -- until a vital organ is damaged. The number of Americans who have high blood pressure is estimated to be more than 50 million. More Americans than ever have hypertension and the number has risen by nearly a third over the past decade. Being heavy goes hand-in-hand with having hypertension, especially for women. There are many effective drugs that treat hypertension; however, it is also a good idea to keep in mind that natural options are also available that could reduce blood pressure.

What Causes Hypertension?

The exact causes of hypertension are not known. Several factors and conditions may play a role in its development, including:

Smoking

Being overweight

Lack of physical activity

Too much salt in the diet

Too much alcohol consumption (no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)

Stress

Older age

Genetics

Family history of high blood pressure

Chronic kidney disease

Adrenal and thyroid disorders

What Are the Symptoms of Hypertension?

There are usually no symptoms or signs of hypertension. In fact, nearly one-third of those who have it don't know it. The only way to know if you have hypertension definitely is to have your blood pressure checked. If your blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain symptoms to look out for, including:



Severe headache

Fatigue or confusion

Vision problems

Chest pain

Difficulty breathing

Irregular heartbeat

Blood in the urine

Who Is More Likely to Develop Hypertension?



People with family members who have high blood pressure.

People who smoke.

African-Americans.

Women who are pregnant.

Women who take birth control pills.

People over the age of 35.

People who are overweight or obese.

People who are not active.

People who drink alcohol excessively.

People who eat too many fatty foods or foods with too much salt.

How Is Hypertension Diagnosed?



Your health care provider can tell if you have hypertension by checking your blood pressure with a special meter called a sphygmomanometer, which consists of a stethoscope, arm cuff, dial, pump, and valve. You can also measure your own blood pressure at home. You should have your blood pressure checked at least once a year to make sure you don't have hypertension.





What Health Problems Are Associated With Hypertension?

Hypertension is a serious condition that can damage the heart and blood vessels, and can eventually lead to several other conditions, including:



Stroke

Heart failure

Heart attack

Kidney failure

Vision problems

How Is Hypertension Treated?



Hypertension is typically treated by making changes in your lifestyle and with drug therapy. Lifestyle changes include losing weight, stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet (such as the DASH diet, which includes lowering sodium but including daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods), and getting enough exercise, especially aerobic exercise.



Several types of drugs are available to treat hypertension, including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.



Tips for Reducing Hypertension



Eat more fruits and vegetables -- preferably fresh and organic. Fruits and vegetables have numerous compounds that can dilate blood vessels, including. Fortunately for many chocoholics, cocoa, or dark chocolate, has important flavonoids. Eat more garlic since garlic may reduce hypertension.

Reduce salt intake.

Try to shed some pounds -- Greater amounts of fat in the abdomen point to an increased risk of developing hypertension.

Learn how to sleep better and deeper. Those who sleep deeply have a lower risk for hypertension.

Reduce alcohol intake. High amounts of alcohol can certainly aggravate hypertension. Despite its heart benefits, drinking red wine raises blood pressure to the same degree as drinking beer.

Reduce or stop smoking.

Try to have less stress in your daily life.

Reduce fat intake, such as meats, lard, bacon, hydrogenated oils -- fats found in fish are good.

Reduce caffeine-intake -- skip that second cup of coffee, substitute caffeine-free herbal drinks, limit herbal teas with caffeine to one or two cups. Caffeine can raise blood pressure in some individuals, even if they are regular drinkers.

Exercise, walk at least one mile per day.

Drink more water, avoid sodas which raise blood pressure.

Drink soy milk and reduce intake of regular milk.

Yoga helps those with hypertension.



Supplements for Hypertension



If you have hypertension, please discuss with your physician before changing your medicines or adding supplements, especially if you have unstable hypertension.



Fish Oils are useful for thinning the blood and improving circulation and it is now known that those whose diets are high in fish oils have a lower risk for hypertension. It would make sense that supplementing with one to five fish oil capsules a day could perhaps lower the risk for hypertension, but we need more studies to confirm early findings.

Antioxidants may be helpful for long term health maintenance of arteries, but not necessarily to lower blood pressure in the short term. Doses can be kept low, such as vitamin C less than 300 mg a day, and natural vitamin E less than 200 units a few days a week.

Take a natural vitamin E complex, rather than the synthetic dl-tocopherol.

Lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant in dosage of 10 to 50 mg.

Grape seed extract was shown to reduce hypertension in a study published in March of 2006.

Quercetin is known as a very strong blood vessel dilator. Chronic oral quercetin exerts antihypertensive effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Genistein is a type of flavonoid found mostly in soy. Genistein helps produce more nitric oxide, a powerful chemical in the blood stream that helps dilate blood vessels. Genistein is available as a supplement. Soy protein supplements are also helpful.

B vitamin and coenzyme complex — B6, folate, and B12 are crucial for the health of arteries and to lower homocysteine, an amino acid-like compound in the blood stream that can be toxic in high doses.

CoQ10 could be helpful in dosages of 20 to 50 mg. The study is discussed below. High CoQ10 dosages could lead to shallow sleep which is not helpful since deep sleep reduces hypertension risk.

Lycopene supplements lowered blood pressure in one study, but if you eat plenty of tomatoes and other foods with lycopene, a supplement is not necessary.

Green tea and oolong tea drinkers are less likely to develop hypertension than non tea drinkers. It would be better to drink tea in the morning since the small amounts of caffeine can interfere with sleep if you drink tea later in the day. It would be best to limit tea intake to one or two cups unless there is no caffeine in the herbal tea you are consuming. Another option is to take green tea extracts with breakfast or lunch.

Calcium and Magnesium are important minerals helpful in supporting healthy blood pressure.

Hawthorn extract may be helpful.

Vitamin D is a supplement that can be taken from 200 to 600 units a day.

Melatonin once or twice a week at night for better sleep

Ginkgo low dose, not more than 40 mg, in the morning

Potassium - Potassium citrate has similar hypertension lowering effects as the best-studied potassium compound, potassium chloride.

Dark, but not white, chocolate has polyphenols that may lower hypertension.

Arjuna is an Ayurvedic herb that has promising effects in blood vessel dilation. Low dose baby aspirin - be careful since a dose more than 100 mg a day can increase the risk for bleeding and stomach ulcer.

H1N1 (Swine) Influenza

H1N1 (Swine) Influenza


Denton County and Denton County Health Department are currently monitoring H1N1 influenza

and are working to do everything possible to protect Denton County residents and employees.

Below are some commonly asked question and ways that you can protect you and your family.

What is H1N1 (swine) flu?

H1N1 (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.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and

include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have

reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause

a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where H1N1 influenza cases have been identified and become ill with

influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or

vomiting or diarrhea, you should contact your health care provider, particularly if you are

worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza

testing or treatment is needed.

Can I get H1N1 influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. H1N1 influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get H1N1 influenza from eating

pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick,

keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands

when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing

or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person

touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes,

nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your

stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

For more information about H1N1 Influenza, visit the Center for Disease Control website at

http://www.cdc.gov.

Influenza Porcina (Gripe Porcina)

Influenza Porcina (Gripe Porcina)


El Condado de Denton y el Departamento de Salud, estan monitoriando la Gripe porcina y estamos

tratando en protejer a los residentes como a los trabajadores del condado. La siguientes son unas de las

preguntas communes que pueden protejer a usted y a su familia.

¿Qué es la influenza porcina?

La influenza porcina (gripe porcina) es un tipo de influenza que afecta por lo general a los cerdos. En

ocasiones, las personas se enferman de influenza porcina. Antes de este reciente brote de influenza

porcina, la mayoría de las personas que se enfermaban con este virus generalmente habían tenido contacto

cercano con los cerdos. Hay ocasiones en las que una persona con influenza porcina puede transmitirla a

alguien más.

¿Cuáles son los signos y síntomas de la influenza porcina en las personas?

Los síntomas de la influenza porcina son parecidos a los síntomas de la influenza o gripe estacional. Entre

ellos se incluyen fiebre, tos, dolor de cabeza, dolor del cuerpo, dolor de cabeza, escalofríos y cansancio.

Algunas personas también pueden tener diarrea y vómito. En años anteriores, algunas personas con la

influenza porcina sufrían enfermedades graves (neumonía e insuficiencia respiratoria) o morían. Tal como

ocurre con la influencia estacional, la influenza porcina también puede empeorar afecciones médicas

existentes.

¿Qué puedo hacer para evitar enfermarme?

En este momento no hay una vacuna contra la influenza porcina. Pero hay medidas que usted puede tomar

para ayudar a prevenir la propagación de gérmenes que causan enfermedades respiratorias como la

influenza porcina y la influenza estacional.

¿Me puede dar influenza porcina por comer o cocinar carne de cerdo?

No. La influenza porcina no se encuentra en los alimentos. Usted no puede contraer la influenza porcina

por comer carne de cerdo o sus productos derivados. No hay riesgos si se come carne de cerdo y sus

derivados que han sido manipulados y cocinados de manera adecuada.

Buenos hábitos de salud para la prevención

Evite el contacto cercano con otras personas. Evite acercarse a personas enfermas. Si se enferma,

manténgase alejado de otras personas para protegerlas y evitar que ellas también se enfermen.

Quédese en casa si está enfermo. Si es posible, quédese en casa y no vaya al trabajo, la escuela ni a

lugares públicos si está enfermo. De esta manera, ayudará a evitar que otros se contagien de su

enfermedad.

Cúbrase la boca y la nariz. Cúbrase la boca y la nariz con un pañuelo cuando tosa o estornude. Esto

puede evitar que quienes estén cerca de usted se enfermen.

Límpiese las manos. Lavarse las manos a menudo le ayudará a protegerse contra los gérmenes.

Trate de no tocarse los ojos, la nariz ni la boca. Con frecuencia, los gérmenes se propagan cuando una

persona toca algo contaminado con esos gérmenes y luego se toca los ojos, la nariz o la boca.

Tenga buenos hábitos de salud. Duerma lo suficiente, sea activo físicamente, controle el estrés, beba

muchos líquidos y coma alimentos nutritivos.

Para mas informacion de la influenza porcina, visite

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/espanol/influenza_porcina_usted.htm.

Infection Control In-service PALOMA HOME HEALTH AGENCY INC

There are several types of infections that can affect the health and well being of your clients. This in-service will address some of the most common ailments and what you can do to control the causes of and spread of infection.
Hand washing-
Hand washing is the single most important tool in preventing the spread of infection. Hands should be washed under running water with soap rubbing hands together briskly for at least 15 – 20 seconds or as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday. Antibacterial hand cleaner may also be used in CONJUNCTION with good hand washing technique. Washing with soap and water is still required when hands are visibly soiled or if you can feel the build up of hand cleaner on your hands. You should wash your hands before and after client contact. Wearing gloves is necessary when you will be in contact with blood or body fluids. You must still wash your hands before putting on gloves and after removing gloves.
Gloves-
Gloves need to be changed after each client contact and disposed of in the trash. Do not “snap “ gloves when removing them – carefully remove your gloves by turning them inside out while removing them to contain blood or body fluids. Snapping gloves may splash body fluids or blood on to your body or into your eyes. Hands need to be washed before and after wearing gloves. Do not put on new gloves until you are ready to provide care. Gloves and hand washing are designed to protect both you and the client
Masks
Masks are worn when there is a chance of droplet infection in respiratory illnesses such as the flu or influenza. Masks should be worn when you will be within 3 feet of an infected person, droplet infection can occur in areas less than 3 feet from the client. Masks should be removed and disposed of after each client contact. Do not remove your mask until you have washed your hands.
Urinary Tract Infections-
• Most UTI’s are caused by E-Coli infections but other organisms can be to blame. It is important to know that a certain number of bacteria and other organisms are normal in the urinary tract.
Signs and Symptoms of UTI’s-
1. painful urination
2. fever, abdominal or back pain
3. cloudy or unusual appearance of the urine
4. unusual foul smelling odor of the urine
Causes-
1. the most common cause of UTI is fecal contamination
2. females may also have contamination of the urinary tract from organisms at the vaginal tract
3. in males obstructions of the urinary tract are sometimes related to the prostate are a common cause of UTI
4. poor voiding habits, waiting too long to use the bathroom or not completely emptying the bladder

Prevention of UTI’s

1. Wash female’s from front to back – start at the urinary meatus and wash backwards toward the rectal area. Do not reuse the washcloth after touching the rectal area. This technique should be followed at bath time and with incontinent patients, after each bowel movement. Continent clients should also be taught to wipe front to back.
2. Drinking plenty of fluids especially water will lower the concentration of bacteria in the urine
3. Avoid bladder irritants – caffeine and aspartame, Nutra-Sweet
4. Avoid perfumed soaps and powders near the vaginal entrance
5. Be sure to toilet clients frequently or as soon as they need to void
6. Be sure that the client has had time to completely empty the bladder when using the toilet – do not rush them
7. Change incontinent clients frequently
8. Cranberry juice can be helpful to prevent UTI’s but it needs to be 100% juice not heavily sugared “juice cocktails” – Cranberry capsules are also now readily available if the patients doctor aggress with using them
9. Wash your hands before and after providing personal care – be sure to wear gloves and change them between clients
Treatment of UTI’s
1. Antibiotics will be ordered by the doctor
2. Increase fluid intake during treatment of a UTI
3. Follow the prevention methods above
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is commonly referred to as “stomach flu” but is not caused by influenza. Gastroenteritis commonly causes vomiting and or diarrhea. For most people gastroenteritis is not serious BUT for the elderly or disabled it can become serious and may require hospitalization for dehydration.
Signs and Symptoms-
1. watery diarrhea
2. vomiting
3. headache
4. fever
5. abdominal cramps
6. symptoms begin 1-2 days following infection and last 1- 10 days
Prevention-
1. frequent hand washing- wash hands before and after client contact and in between client contacts
2. wear gloves when handling blood or body fluids- it is essential to wash hands before and after wearing gloves
3. gowns should be worn if it is likely that your clothing will be contaminated by body fluids or stool
4. use caution in handling soiled linens, soiled briefs and clothing
5. caregivers should not work with patients or handle food if they have an active gastrointestinal virus, food can become contaminated causing illness in those who may eat it
6. limit visitors who have signs and symptoms of illness
7. wipe down tables and counters with a bleach solution ¼ cup bleach to 1 gallon of water
8. limit movement of infected persons around facilities
Treatment-
1. encourage fluids (water) and re-hydration products such as electrolyte replacement drinks and Sports drinks
2. the doctor may order medication for symptoms – antibiotics are not indicated for viral infections and are ineffective
3. hospitalization and IV fluid replacement may be needed for severe cases of
4. dehydration
Flu or Influenza-
Influenza or flu season occurs every year usually in December through April. Flu is characterized by fever and respiratory symptoms and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. A common complication of flu is pneumonia especially in the elderly. Infected persons are the most infectious to others the day BEFORE and during the first three days of symptoms but can be contagious up to 7 days from the onset of symptoms.
Transmission of flu-
Flu is transmitted by contact or droplet infection
1. contact infection- Flu virus can live for 24-48 hours on non porous surfaces such as counters or other hard surfaces and 8-12 hours on porous surfaces such as paper towels or linens and will be transmitted to your hands when handling contaminated items
2. droplet infection- The virus can be transmitted from person to person by large droplets that are spread when the infected person coughs, sneezes or talks
Prevention-
1. vaccination of clients or residents and employees who work with the elderly and fragile
2. education of staff on transmission of the virus
3. wear a mask if you are within 3 feet of an infected person
4. isolate infected persons from healthy persons- infected persons should remain at least 3 feet away from uninfected persons –
5. Limit visitors especially those who are ill with flu symptoms – adults should not visit for 5 days after the onset of symptoms and children should not visit for 10 days after the onset of symptoms.
6. caregivers should not work in direct contact with patients for 5 days after the onset of flu symptoms
7. if your client resides in a facility where there is a Flu outbreak keep them in their rooms or al least 3 feet away from infected persons
8. if your client has the flu keep them in their rooms or at least 3 feet away from others and have them wear a mask if one is available when they are in contact with others
9. use good hand washing technique and wear gloves when coming in contact with infected persons
10. wear a gown if it is likely you will be infected by respiratory secretions from coughing and sneezing
11. dispose of used tissues in the trash – wash hands and use gloves while handling soiled tissues
12. increase cleaning schedule of patient bathrooms especially shared bathroom facilities
13. wipe down tables and counters with a bleach solution to kill germs- ¼ cup bleach to 1 gallon of water
Treatment-
Treatment will be determined by symptoms and the doctor’s evaluation
1. antiviral medications may be helpful if administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms
2. medication for other symptoms such as cough, vomiting, fever etc may be indicated if prescribed by the doctor
3. hydration is important- encourage fluids
4. antibiotics may be indicated for secondary bacterial infections or pneumonia as prescribed by the doctor

What is Home Health care and why do I need it?

Home Health Care is skilled nursing care and certain other health care services that you receive in your home for the treatment of an illness or injury. This could also include physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Medicare Part A will cover home health expenses at 100%. Private duty home care is not covered by Medicare and is paid for by the individual receiving the service. This type of service usually includes housekeeping and other routine personal care services (cooking, laundry, and shopping, and live in care givers.).

Paloma Home Health Agency Inc. provides quality service to the elderly, sick, and disabled

Let us meet your everyday needs



Paloma Home Health Agency Inc.

Phone: 972-346-2013

Email: info@palomahomehealth.com



Call or email now to see if you are Medicare/Medicaid Qualified

If you or someone you know needs help with

1. Diabetes

2. High Blood Pressure

3. Wound Care

4. Arthritis/Joint Pain

5. Any Chronic Illness or Disease



We Also Provide:

1. Light House Keeping/Laundry Services

2. Senior Transportation

3. Meal Preparation

4. And Much More At No Charge to YOU!!



Please have this information at hand for fastest and most efficient service

Name:

Address :

Phone:

D.O.B.:

Medicare #:







How to get Medicare Home Health Care:



• Your doctor must determine you need medical care in your home.

• You will need at least one of the following services: skilled nursing care, physical or speech therapy.

• You must be homebound. Homebound means that leaving your home is a considerable and taxing effort

What qualifies as Skilled Home Care Services?



• Wound Care for pressure ulcers or surgical wounds

• Physical Therapy (fall prevention, recent fractures, recent stroke, TIA's, endurance issues, or transfer training)

• Occupational Therapy (recent strokes, ADL training-such as dressing, grooming, and bathing)

• Speech Therapy (swallowing issues, aspiration, recent stroke, pneumonia)

• Patient and Caregiver education

• IV Therapy

• Injections (diabetes, B-12)

• Medication Management

Home Health vs. Hospitalization:



• In many cases home health care services may be appropriate to prevent an individual from being hospitalized.

• Most patients and their families prefer to stay at home rather than be placed in the hospital or skilled nursing facility when their condition allows them to remain at home.

• Home health care is usually less expensive and in some cases just as effective as care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Home health care assists a person in their recovery from an illness, accident, surgery, or change in their medical condition.

Professional health care and rehabilitation services are delivered in a person’s home environment under the direction of their personal physician.

Why you may need home health care?



1. Frequent hospitalizations.

2. Frequent falls or near falls.

3. Problems with medication regimen. •

4. Recent surgery or hospitalization. •

5. Multiple health problems and/or new condition. •

6. Multiple or no caregivers.

7. Services offered include:

8. Skilled Nursing 24/7 Availability

9. Physical Therapy

10. Wound/Ostomy Care

11. Occupational Therapy

12. Infusion Therapy

13. Speech Therapy

14. PT/TNR results in home

15. Home Care Aides

16. Pain Management

17. Medical Social Workers







.Full services licensed by the State of Texas and is CHAP accredited.

Now serving the following counties in North Texas;

COLLIN,COOKE, DALLAS,DENTON, ELLIS,ERATH, FANNIN, GRAYSON, HOOD,HUNT , JOHNSON, KAUFMAN, NAVARRO, PALO PINTO,PARKER, ROCKWALL, SOMERVELL, TARRANT, and WISE



A homebound criterion is usually required.

The patient is under the care of a physician who manages and authorizes the need for services. •

The patient requires the skilled services of a Registered Nurse, Physical Therapist, and/or Speech Therapist.



Who pays for home health care?

If you are Medicare eligible and qualified for care, there is no out of pocket cost to you.

Home care can also be paid for by many private insurances or a variety of public programs.

To qualify for Medicare home health services, there are five basic requirements:

1. Your physician must determine that you need home health care services

2. Your own physician must write the orders for home health services, and oversee your care

3. You must need skilled services that are provided by a nurse or therapist

4. Your physician must determine that you are homebound, requiring considerable effort and help to leave home

5. The services you need are only required on a part-time, or intermittent, basis.









Because benefits and requirements can vary, we can help you check with payors about your specific benefits, even before beginning services, so you can have this information at the start of care.

-Medicare pays 100% of the cost for home health care for individuals 65 years of age or over or permanently disabled.

-Private insurance will pay for home health care. Benefits vary per policy and verification of benefits is required.

-Medicaid pays 100%.

Pre-authorization is required.-Workers Compensation Insurance.-Private Pay.

Non Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of Paloma Home Health Agency to treat all individuals in need of care without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, physical handicap, or national origin. Paloma Home Health Agency offers the finest professional care and services on an individual basis, providing care for patients going home from the hospital or recovering from an extended illness. We accept referrals from physicians, family, friends, hospitals, or from you personally.

We can HELP you in a number of ways.

Patient specific health data with observations by a professional nurse are reported to the physician. •

Helping patients and their families to understand and follow physician's orders regarding nutrition, special diets, medications, and general nursing care: •

Assisting with home management of catheters and feeding tubes. •

Giving injections ordered by the physician and teaching patients and family the proper techniques for doing so.

Teaching patients and caregivers at home the proper techniques of how to use a wheelchair, walker, crutches.

• Helping patients restore strength and independence through physical therapy exercises,

• Educating diabetic patients on how to manage diet, insulin, and other health related measures.

• Enabling the patient with ostomy how to resume a full, active life.

• Assisting patients with bathing and personal grooming (ADLS).

• Assisting patients in the proper use of oxygen and respiratory equipment.



We can be reached at the following address

1832 Kittyhawk Dr,Little Elm, TX 75068, USA

Tel: 972-346.2013Fax: 972-853-7085

Email us at palomahomehealth@hotmail.com

HOW TO AVOID THE SWINE FLU H1N1 VIRUS

Protecting yourself from getting the "swine flu" virus is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the illness. Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu, pig flu and sometimes, the swine) is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs.
• Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide.
• Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human influenza, often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu.
• People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection.
• The meat of an infected animal poses no risk of infection when properly cooked.
• Articles often discuss protection by coughing or sneezing into the crook of your elbow. That will not keep YOU from getting the virus, although it would be helpful for others.
• Protecting yourself involves several steps that are easy, but require some positive action on your part.
1. PROTECT yourself when you are out. Do not set your purse, wallet, or other items on counters or floors. Do not sit on public benches or chairs unless necessary. Carry antiseptic wipes and wipe your hands as soon as you get into your car after being among people. Do not get close to others if you can avoid it.
2. PROTECT yourself when you come in. When you come in from being around others, remove your shoes at the door. Wash your hands and arms with soap and water. Do not set items you purchased or your purse in the kitchen. This influenza virus can survive from two to eight hours after being deposited on a surface.
3. PROTECT yourself out or in. Do not touch your face, and particularly your eyes and mouth, as many viruses are transmitted from hands. Bathe daily and if you have been around someone with the virus, change your clothing.
4. PROTECT your family. Clean your kitchen and bathroom counters and sinks regularly. Products that will kill the H1N1 virus are alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, heat, iodophors, some soaps and chlorine.
5. PROTECT others and take care of yourself. If you believe you have the H1N1 virus, stay home until you know you do not. Symptoms are typical of seasonal influenza, with sometimes added severity and diarrhea and vomiting. If you believe you have H1N1 Virus and if you are in an at-risk category, contact your physician for Tamiflu or one of the anti-viral prescription medications. Otherwise, it is recommended that you take care of yourself at home. See Resources below for other articles about H1N1 Virus or Swine Flu for more information on caring for yourself and family.
TIPS & WARNINGS
1. ALWAYS take a fever very seriously if you have had a valve replacement. It could mean endocarditis, so call your heart doctor.
2. The quick test for H1N1 can register a false negative, so request the longer test if you are unsure of what is causing your fever.
3. Make sure your heart surgeon becomes involved in all diagnosis of any illness you have that might involve your heart.
4. Make sure you always pre-medicate with an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor before any dental work.

Remember that an infected person can be contagious for up to ten days. We often write about medical issues for the consumer. See Resources below for more articles about Swine Flu and other medical concerns. This is not medical advice, but gives guidelines from the CDC and practical advice about virus and infectious disease. Contact your physician for medical advice.
• copyright 2009 Paloma Home Health Agency Inc.