Archived Press Releases

Prevent spread of flu virus - take precautions

PHOENIX (April 28, 2009) -- As many of you may have heard through recent media coverage, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Advisory on regarding the swine influenza A virus.

Symptoms of swine flu:
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include:

fever more than 100 degees
lethargy
lack of appetite
coughing
runny nose

sore throat

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

Precautionary steps:
According to Banner Health Emergency Management and Infection Control staff , there are a number of precautions that you can take to keep yourself healthy and protect yourself and others from the spread of germs, including:

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 hands sanitizers are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Wipe down your work surfaces often with antiseptic wipes.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Health care workers should always use droplet and standard precautions (surgical mask and eye protection) for influenza-like illnesses with good hand washing before and after patient contact.

If you become ill:

Stay home from work and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. You should remain at home until you've had no symptoms for 24 hours.
If you develop severe symptoms, including a fever of 103 degrees or higher, please contact your primary care physician.

About Banner Health
Headquartered in Phoenix, Banner Health is one of the largest, nonprofit health care systems in the country. The system owns or manages 22 acute-care hospitals, long-term care centers, outpatient surgery centers and an array of other services including family clinics, home care and hospice services, and a nursing registry. Banner Health is in seven states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. To learn more about Banner Health, go to http://www.bannerhealth.com.