See Also: H1N1 Flu FAQs 

UPDATE: 6/12/2009 10:55 a.m. 
               For up-to-the-minute information, view the tracking map.
               View the Cases in Illinois, listed by County. 

The World Health Organization announced yesterday that they are elevating the alert level related to H1N1 flu from 5 to 6, defining it as a pandemic. This new designation reflects the ongoing community outbreaks in multiple parts of the world. The new designation (“pandemic”) does not mean that the virus is different now than it has been in recent weeks, only that more international spread is occurring. 

Worldwide, 74 countries have been affected, and about 30,000 cases have been confirmed. The actual number of infected individuals is likely much higher. At NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore), we have had approximately 900 lab-confirmed cases of H1N1 flu. The number of cases that we are detecting weekly has been increasing. For example, last week our laboratory confirmed 250 new cases in our geographical area, which is about the same number of cases we detected in the first four weeks of this epidemic. 

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms–fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat–we recommend that you contact your health care provider.

Previous Updates:

5/7/2009 - NorthShore Infection Control continues to closely track H1N1 flu. The latest information suggests that this situation can now be managed with a protocol similar to the one we use for seasonal flu management.

We will no longer dispense “reminder cards.” Signage and hand hygiene stations will remain in place to alert patients, visitors and employees to the symptoms of the flu. We remind everyone that H1N1 flu spread to employees and patients is a real concern and we need everyone to help protect our patients. 

We will continue to monitor the progress of this virus and tailor our infection control procedures accordingly. If you need further information, advice or guidance about H1N1 flu, the state of Illinois has a hotline staffed with healthcare professionals. The number is 866.331.9191. Hours are 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

5/5/09 - NorthShore Infection Control has been carefully tracking emerging local and national data regarding H1N1 flu (Swine Influenza A Virus). Current information indicates that disease caused by this virus typically does not require hospitalization, and that deaths have rarely occurred worldwide. Furthermore, the requests for testing, as well as the number of newly diagnosed cases in our service area, appear to be decreasing from their peak. 

However, we continue a vigilant approach to screening and awareness. We are providing staff, patients and visitors with a reminder card for the symptoms of H1N1 flu and direction as to what to do if he or she has any of the symptoms.

These reminder cards and the “self screen” process are very important. We remind everyone that H1N1 flu spread to patients is a real concern, and the cards are an important step in helping NorthShore’s infection control efforts.

As the situation unfolds locally and nationally, we will continue to tailor our infection control procedures accordingly.

If you need further information, advice or guidance about H1N1 flu, the state of Illinois has a hotline staffed with healthcare professionals. The number is 866.331.9191. Hours are 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

4/30/09 - NorthShore is taking numerous precautions to protect the safety of its patients, visitors and staff. One of the measures being implemented is a "self-check" for all patients and visitors. Upon entering a NorthShore facility, patients and visitors will be asked to clean their hands with hand gel that NorthShore provides and answer two questions.

These questions are:

1. Do you have a fever of 100°F (37.8°C) or above?
2. Do you have at least one of: NEW nasal congestion, sore throat or cough?

Patients answering yes to both questions will be directed to wear a mask and proceed directly to their destination. Visitors who answer yes to both questions will be asked to go home.

Thank you for your help in ensuring your safety and the safety of others.

4/29/09 - NorthShore is taking action to ensure the health and safety of its patients in response to the outbreak of H1N1 flu (swine flu) in the United States.

A small number of cases of H1N1 flu have been reported in the United States. A suspected case of swine flu has prompted Chicago Public School officials to close an elementary school on the north side for at least two days. School officials say the tests on the student have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and results are expected within 24 to 36 hours.

Under guidance from local and state health organizations, as well as the CDC, NorthShore clinicians have been extensively educated  on this strain of H1N1 flu. NorthShore is monitoring the situation closely and has educated its healthcare providers on how to identify and treat patients, in the event patients here begin contracting the illness.

NorthShore has strict infection control precautions in place to protect its patients and physicians in the event of an outbreak. These precautions are constantly monitored and have been reassessed in recent days to ensure NorthShore will continue to provide uninterrupted healthcare.

In addition to the FAQs about H1N1 flu, please see the following information:

If you have traveled to Mexico, where an outbreak has been reported and are not displaying flu-like symptoms, you do not need to do anything at this time.

If you do display flu-like symptoms–fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat–and you have either traveled to an area where H1N1 flu has been identified or had contact with someone who has a confirmed case of H1N1 flu, contact your health care provider.

If you develop a severe fever or respiratory distress, you should go to the Emergency Department immediately.

According to the CDC, the virus currently has an incubation period of one to two days. Infected patients are contagious from one day before symptoms appear up to one day after clinical recovery.

There is no human H1N1 flu vaccine, and this year’s seasonal flu vaccine will not protect someone from the virus.

The CDC and World Heath Organization have set up several useful resources, including a H1N1 flu info page, Twitter account and tracking map, to update people about swine flu.

Please also check northshore.org for periodic updates.