Embargoed for Release at 12:01 am (eastern)
October 12, 2009 |
Mike Baldyga: 202-728-0610, ext 3005
www.acep.org/h1n1 |
New Poll Shows Nearly 90 Percent Of Emergency Physicians Worry About ER's Ability To Care For Additional Flu Patients
Washington DC — As the nation begins what could become a widespread H1N1 flu outbreak, a new poll by the American College of Emergency Physicians finds nearly 90 percent of more than 1,000 emergency physicians responding to a poll expressed concerns about their emergency department’s ability to care for additional patients.
"Emergency physicians will do everything they can to guide and help people through this flu pandemic," said Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. "But a national surge capacity plan must be developed, and resources must be provided to help our nation’s hospital emer¬gency departments be ready to respond to public health crises, such as this pandemic or a terrorist attack or other catastrophes."
ACEP conducted the poll from September 15 to September 23, 2009. E-mails were sent to 20,464 emergency physicians across the United States, and 1,043 responded.
Only a tiny fraction (4 percent of 3.38 billion) of federal funding for emergency preparedness was spent on medical preparedness, according to the Institute of Medicine (2006). Only 16 percent of emergency physicians who responded to the poll believe the federal government is doing everything it can provide them the resources needed to effectively respond to a severe flu outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is reporting that cases of the H1N1 virus have been confirmed in all 50 states with at least 21 states reporting widespread outbreaks. Unlike the traditional flu, which typically affects older individuals worse than others, this H1N1 virus is targeting younger individuals more severely than other age groups.
"The H1N1 flu virus spreads the same way the regular seasonal flu spreads, by direct contact with someone or by coughing or sneezing in the air," said Dr. Gardner. "Wash your hands regularly, wipe down work spaces with disinfectant and stay home from work or school if you may be infected."
A vaccine is expected by mid October, but in the mean time, practice prevention, emergency physicians say
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also work.
Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth in order to stop the spreading of germs.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Take everyday actions to stay healthy that include exercise, eating nutritious foods and getting enough sleep.
Employ healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
Follow public health advice, specifically when it comes to school closures and avoiding crowds.
Stay informed with the latest updates by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Symptoms of H1N1 Flu
They are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
In addition, the CDC reports a high number of those infected with H1N1 flu also experience diarrhea and vomiting. If you develop symptoms, it’s recommended that you stay home at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.
When To Seek Emergency Care
Emergency physicians recommend you seek emergency care when you have the symptoms of a medical emergency. If you have concerns about being sick but it’s not a medical emergency, first call your personal physician and get their recommendation. If you seek emergency care for flu symptoms, be aware that emergency staff may direct you to triage locations separate from the waiting room. If you arrive in the emergency room, let the triage nurse know right away that you have flu symptoms.
"Emergency physicians are uniquely qualified to provide care for outbreaks like swine flu because of training and experience delivering lifesaving treatment to mass amounts of sick and injured people at any given time," said Dr. Gardner. "The important thing is to stay informed."
For a copy of the complete ACEP poll results, please contact Mike Baldyga, ACEP Public Affairs at 202-728-0610, ext. 3005 or via email . For updated information from the CDC, go to www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm or call 1-800-CDC-INFO. For more information on this and other health related topics, go to www.emergencycareforyou.org or ACEP’s You Tube Channel, www.youtube.com/user/EmergencyCareForYou.
ACEP is a national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.
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