Preparing for H1N1, seasonal flu

When the H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as the “swine flu,” dominated headlines in April and May, it appeared to be business as usual at the Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, says the hospital’s lead doctor.

Dr. Steven J. Walerstein, senior vice president for medical affairs and the medical director at the Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, said there was not as much of a rush as was expected.

“We were actually surprised we didn’t have the surge and influx of patients we thought we were going to have,” Walerstein said.

However, the NUMC medical staff continues to prepare itself for what experts are projecting to be a rise in H1N1 cases this fall. One report from the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology said up to half of the nation’s population could potentially contract the H1N1 virus this fall.

“It is a concern now,” Walerstein said. “The problem is that obviously no one has a crystal ball.”

Walerstein explained that the initial experience with H1N1 is that it has been more prevalent for younger populations from six months to 29 years old, especially those with asthma or other underlying conditions like diabetes. Those affected without underlying conditions should use “common sense,” he said, and remain in contact with a primary care physician.

Walerstein recommends that people, especially those with underlying conditions, get vaccinated for both the seasonal flu and H1N1. Although the H1N1 vaccination is not expected to be released until October, the expected peak of infections, Walerstein said early reports of initial trials of the shots have been successful.

At the NUMC, staff members will be looking to provide the vaccination to discharged patients who undergo a required vaccination screening upon departure, Walerstein explained. He said there will also be an emphasis on the vaccine at the hospital’s outpatient and community health clinics.

In addition to the patients and the general population, Walerstein said the first step is to vaccinate the medical center’s entire workforce. A recently implemented state Department of Health code requires the vaccination of health care
workers.

“It will be a challenge to vaccinate a workforce of 3,000 employees,” Walerstein said. “We are really working through logistics.”

Educating the public on treatment and prevention of the virus will certainly be an important role for medical professionals and agencies, Walerstein said.

One of those agencies, the Nassau County Department of Health, is working with school districts to prepare for the next academic year that begins this month.

East Meadow School Superintendent Louis DeAngelo said the district is preparing to issue guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of H1N1, including improved communication with parents and the isolation of infected children who remain in the building.

The district will also continue a rigorous sanitation process that was instituted in 2007, when the spread of the MSRA infection was prevalent, the superintendent said.

According to DeAngelo, there was no significant presence of the the H1N1 virus in the East Meadow schools during the spring. While some local districts canceled class some days to sanitize buildings and to address poor attendance figures, East Meadow schools remained open.

“But again falls a new time,” DeAngelo said, “and we will put the measures in place that we need to.”

Classes begin for East Meadow students on Sept. 8.

Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi and the Department of Health released several tips on preventing H1N1:

• Get a seasonal flu shot. October through December is the best time to receive a flu shot. A seasonal flu vaccine will not protect individuals against H1N1 A new vaccine is being produced for H1N1 and should be available in the coming months.

• Have a regular medical home. Identify a health care professional or medical office to coordinate and oversee you and your family members' care, whether sick or healthy.

• Practice good health habits and take everyday preventive actions.

• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so.

• Stay informed. Follow public health advice regarding the flu.

For the more in-depth tips from the county, read the article at www. liherald.com.


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