Hospitals, schools prepare for flu, H1N1 season

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 has been more prevalent for younger populations from 6 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 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, Walterstein 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 keep students healthy during the 2009-10 year that began Sept. 8.

North Merrick School District Superintendent David Feller said, "We're closely monitoring the situation, and we are in weekly contact with the Department of Health." Feller said that a staff member has a weekly phone conference with county health officials, and meetings are held with school nurses regarding H1N1 prevention. He said North Merrick Schools follow all guidelines put forward by the county, by the state Department of Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control.

The Merrick School District did not immediately return a request for comment as of Herald press time, but referred the paper to county guidelines and CDC tips on H1N1 prevention on the district's Web site.

In conjunction with County Executive Tom Suozzi, the county health department released tips about coping with the disease:

1. Get a seasonal flu shot. The single best way to combat the flu is to receive a flu shot and practice good health habits. In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. October through December is the best time to receive a flu shot. A seasonal flu vaccine will not protect individuals against novel H1N1 (formerly known as Swine Flu). A new vaccine is being produced for novel H1N1 and should be available in the coming months.

2. 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. Having an identified physician or care site for you and your family members gives health care professionals a better understanding of one's family health history; this helps support continuity of care.

3. Practice good health habits and take everyday preventive actions:

• 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.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and when you are sick, stay home from work, school and errands.

• Eat nutritious food, be active and don't smoke.

• Manage stress. Balance, work, home and play. Take time to relax and get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Make sure children get more, based on their age.

• Get check-ups. Regular check-ups are important; ask your health care provider how you can lower your chances for health problems and maintain good health.

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

• Have a supply of over-the-counter medicines.

• Wash hands with soap and water and/or have available alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

• Have tissues.

• Have other related items that might be useful and could help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

5. Stay Informed. Follow public health advice regarding the flu. Nassau County continues to meet, work and communicate with schools, health care providers and hospitals daily in planning for the fall/winter influenza season.

-- Sari Zeidler contributed to this story.