More Links
Seasonal Flu Information
H1N1 Flu Information
Seasonal Flu Vaccines
H1N1 Flu Vaccines
| There are two main types of influenza (flu) virus: Types A and B. Influenza A and B viruses are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year. Influenza A virus can be broken down into subtypes. The current subtypes of influenza A are (H1N1) and A (H3N2). Over the course of a flu season, different types (A & B) and subtypes of influenza A viruses can circulate and cause illness.
Brazosport Regional Health System is taking precautions against this year’s flu season and is committed to its role of helping the community during any flu outbreak that may occur. We encourage our community to stay informed and protect yourself and your family as the flu continues to spread.
Brazosport Regional has worked with local first responders and the community for several years to improve the health system’s emergency and disaster preparedness, and we are well-prepared for a rapid hospital response in the event of an epidemic in our area.
Our team is working closely with state and local health departments in sharing information on any flu activity. To help educate the communities we serve, Brazosport Regional has established these pages with helpful information for visitors on protecting themselves from catching the flu, preventing the spread of flu and much more!
How does flu spread?
Any type of flu is thought to spread mostly from person to person through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with influenza. People also may get sick by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Protecting Yourself from the Flu
- Avoid hugging, kissing, shaking hands with anyone who has a cold or the flu
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for about 15-20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes
- Clean things that are touched often like door handles and telephone receivers
- If you get sick with a flu-like illness, stay home from work and school and avoid contact with others so the virus does not spread
- Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Dispose of used tissue in the waste basket after use
- Get both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu vaccine when they become available.
- Contact your primary healthcare provider for treatment and vaccination information. You may also check back regularly for vaccine updates at Brazosport Regional or call our flu information line at 979-285-1585.
Get Ready for the Flu
If you do not prepare before a flu outbreak, it may be harder for you to follow important health advice. Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so. It’s extremely important for a person with flu-like symptoms to stay home.
Have a two-week supply of items needed for an extended stay at home. It would be useful to have these items on hand and would help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious. Two-week supply list includes:
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Alcohol-based hand cleaners (however hand washing is more effective)
- Tissues
- Prescription medications that are taken regularly
- Canned soups, hydration fluids, etc.
- Facemasks (for use by the sick person if able when around other people)
*If you are in the hospital with flu-like symptoms, we ask for a mask to be worn. Please contact a volunteer or hospital employee on duty to receive a mask.
Our goal is to protect the health and safety of our patients, visitors and staff. To remain consistent with community standards and avoid unnecessary risk, we encourage you to read about the different type of flu viruses and be informed and educated about the matter at hand. For the latest updates from Brazosport Regional’s team of specialists, please check back regularly under the “news” section. You may also call the flu information line anytime at 979-285-1585. To receive more information about the Swine Flu, please visit the listed sites.
|