Sutter Medical Foundation North Bay (SMFNB), Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa (SMCSR), and Sutter Lakeside Hospital (SLH) are following the H1N1 swine flu situation closely and will post updates to our Web site as we receive new information. Meanwhile, we have provided interim guidelines to our physicians on the detection and management of the H1N1 swine flu.

While the number of new cases of H1N1 in Mexico seems to be decreasing, the virus is continuing to spread to other parts of the world. The information published by various local, state, national and international health authorities indicates that the current H1N1 outbreak resembles a normal seasonal flu. Most patients are recovering very well at home.

The CDC has recommended that we take the usual precautions for an ordinary flu season such as:

• Frequent hand washing;
• Covering your mouth when you cough;
• Staying home when you are ill with a respiratory illness.

Also, we request that you contact your provider by telephone instead of coming directly to clinic if all three of the following apply to you:

• A fever (temperature of 100 degrees or greater);
• AND respiratory symptoms (such as cough, sore throat or shortness of breath);
• AND travel within the last 7 days to Mexico or a U.S. county that borders Mexico (such as San Diego County).

Additional Information & Public Health Resources

• Swine Flu & You, Frequently Asked Questions
• La influenza porcina y usted (gripe porcina)
• PandemicFlu.gov - Planning & Response Activities
• Centers for Disease Control, Swine Flu Update
• California Department of Public Health, Swine Flu Update
• Sonoma County Public Health, Swine Flu Update
• Lake County Public Health, Swine Flu Update