Swine Influenza (H1N1)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a new strain of influenza that has previously not affected humans. The H1N1 viruses contain segments of swine, avian and human influenza strains.

Why is it dangerous?

Because it is a new strain, a vaccine has not yet been developed. It is not anticipated that the seasonal flu vaccine will provide protection against the swine flu virus. The H1N1 viruses are also resistant to medications that have typically been used to combat the flu.

What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

• Fever (greater than 100°F)
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Stuffy nose
• Chills
• Headache, body aches and weakness
• Fatigue, lack of appetite

How many cases have been reported in the United States?

As of April 28^th, 50 cases of swine flu have been reported in the US in eight states – New York, Ohio, Kansas, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey and California. These cases have involved people who traveled to Mexico, Southern California or Texas during the seven days preceding the onset of the illness.

There has been one case reported in Northeast Ohio. The patient is a 9-year old boy from Lorain County.

How is swine flu diagnosed?

Swine flu is diagnosed through a nasal swab in people who exhibit symptoms of influenza. If the nasal swab is positive for the Influenza A virus, it will be transported to a state public health laboratory for testing to confirm whether or not the strain is swine flu.

How soon will symptoms develop after exposure?

Typically, symptoms will not appear for 7 days after exposure to Swine Flu.

What can be done to prevent getting or spreading the viruses?

• Tell patients to avoid contact with ill persons
• Wash your hands
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid close contact with others if you think you are ill
• Do not go to work, school or travel if you are ill with symptoms of the flu

Should I wear a mask?

There has not been an outbreak of swine flu in Ashtabula County, so unless you are caring for someone who has the swine flu or who has symptoms, there is no need to wear a mask for everyday activities. The most effective precaution in these situations is frequent hand washing – especially after using public restrooms, using someone else’s pen, and when having contact with anyone who has flu-like symptoms.

Keep in mind that if you come to the hospital or your physician’s office and either have the flu or have symptoms of the flu, you will be given a mask to wear. Additionally, staff providing care to you will wear a mask under these circumstances.

Can I get swine flu from eating pork?

No, the H1N1 viruses are not transmitted by eating pork or pork products.

Where can I get updated information on swine flu and the national alert?

The Center for Disease Prevention has established a website that will be regularly updated with the most current information. You can visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu

Notice to Patients:

On March 31, 2009, a recall was issued for digoxin tablets manufactured by Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, a generic pharmaceutical company. Typically digoxin is prescribed for heart failure or heart rhythm problems.

The Caraco Digoxin tablets are being recalled because they may differ in size, and therefore could have more or less of the active ingredient, digoxin. This voluntary recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

If you are currently on this medication, here’s what you should do:

• Contact your pharmacy promptly to determine if your specific medication and lot number provided to you were included in this recall.

• If your pharmacist confirms that you have received digoxin included in the recall, please contact your physician for more specific instructions.

• Please DO NOT stop your medication before talking to your physician.

ACMC Introduces Cardiac Cath Lab to Community

 Click Here for the Cardiac Cath Lab Ad

ACMC’s new Cardiac Catheterization Lab is located between the hospital and the Ashtabula Clinic. The addition of cardiac catheterization at ACMC takes heart care in Ashtabula County to a whole new level. Members of the community will now be able to receive safe, quality diagnostic testing and faster treatment without leaving home.

Cardiac catheterization is a non-surgical outpatient imaging procedure that gathers information about cardiac muscle function and blockages. This information helps our physicians determine your best option for effective treatment.

Cardiac catheterizations are safe, routine procedures that are done to:

·     confirm the presence of heart disease;

·     determine the severity of heart disease;  

·     understand the cause of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and irregular heartbeats; and

·     to assess a patient prior to heart surgery.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women across the United States – and in Ashtabula County. With the new Cardiac Catheterization Lab at ACMC, we are better prepared to meet the needs of our patients, save more lives and fight the number one killer in the county. 

With this state-of-the-art facility on-site, we can swiftly and safely diagnose arterial sclerosis and heart abnormalities, as well as ventricle and valve issues. We also have the capability to perform peripheral angiography, which helps us look for coronary artery disease in other parts of the body such as the arms, legs and abdomen. If coronary artery disease is found in one area of the body, it is likely to be elsewhere in the body as well. This cardiac catheterization equipment will help us diagnose these conditions safely and more effectively than ever before.

Patients undergoing a cardiac catheterization at ACMC will meet strict criteria much like the criteria defined by the American College of Cardiology and/or the Society of   Cardiac Angiography and Intervention. We also work closely with Cleveland Clinic to establish policies and protocols, as well as physician peer review and medical education.

Cardiac catheterizations will be performed by ACMC Cardiologist, Samer Kabbani, MD who joined Dr. James Cho in providing cardiology care to Ashtabula County. Dr. Kabbani is trained in cardiac catheterization, as well as in nuclear cardiology and coronary CT angiography.

The Cardiac Catheterization Lab is the first of its kind in Ashtabula County. ACMC is proud to provide this vital diagnostic tool to Ashtabula County. It’s just one more way of showing that Ashtabula County Medical Center has your best interests at heart.

For more information on cardiac services at ACMC, call 440-994-7555.