Potomac Hospital has policies and plans in place that address issues related to communicable infectious disease, such as swine flu. These plans help ensure that we can provide medical care in an efficient and safe manner to our community and include access to the necessary medicines needed for prevention and treatment of influenza.
Potomac Hospital works closely with federal, regional, state and local public-health agencies to coordinate efforts and ensure that we have the most up-to-date information and response guidelines.
Visiting Hours During Flu Season
If you’d like more information about H1N1 flu please visit the following websites:
Virginia Department of Health or call 1-877-ASK VDH 3 (1-877-275-8343) to reach the VDH swine flu hotline.
Prince William County Health Department
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Frequently Asked Questions about Swine Flu
How to Protect Yourself and Family
Other resources:
World Health Organization
Pandemicflu.gov
Potomac Hospital’s Influenza Information Line: 703-730-4680.
Información detallada sobre la gripe porcina está disponible en el sitio web: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/espanol/.
Staying Healthy
- If you feel sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others, to keep from infecting them.
- If you feel you need medical attention, call ahead first so your healthcare providers can take necessary infection-control measures.
- 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. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, to prevent the spread of germs.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
If you are not experiencing any of these symptoms but still feel ill, contact your primary care physician.
If you need to find a doctor please call Potomac’s Health Connection at 703-221-2500 or go to Find a Doctor.
Be Prepared for the Flu
Este Preparado para la Gripe
