• Best way to avoid getting or spreading the flu: use good hygiene habits
• Please refrain from visiting patients if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, fever, body aches
• Call your primary care physician if you think you have the flu; avoid the Emergency Room
• Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to visit patients
• Follow the links below for the latest information about H1N1 Flu

FLU ALERT

What To Do About H1N1 and Seasonal Flu

Due to the recent outbreak of H1N1 (swine flu), South Nassau Communities Hospital is coordinating with Nassau County Department of Health and other area hospitals to protect the health of patients, visitors and hospital employees.

Visitors are welcome at South Nassau; however, children under the age of 12 are not permitted to visit the hospital unless they are visiting an ill sibling in the pediatric unit or a new baby in the nursery.  Please repsect our limit of two visitors per patient at one time. And if you or your children are experiencing flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, coughing, sneezing, runny nose) we ask that you do not visit the hospital until you are fully well.

If you think you or a family member has the flu, call your primary care physician first for instructions. Unless your illness is serious, you should avoid the Emergency Room.

Patients who come to the emergency room with flu-like or upper respiratory symptoms are asked to wear a mask upon entering.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

The best way to prevent the spread of viruses is through good hygiene habits:

1. Regular, frequent handwashing - wash thoroughly with soap and water for 15 seconds
2. Wash your hands after public contact
3. If you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth with a tissue
4. Wash your hands after blowing your nose
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth unless you have first washed your hands
   
   The New York State Department of Health has established a hotline for information on the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine and disease. The hotline handles questions from the public and the medical community on H1N1 disease, vaccines, and how to obtain the vaccine. To access the hotline, call 1-800-808-1987.
   
   Links to the latest updates and information about the H1N1 Virus:
6. Nassau County Department of Health
7. New York State Department of Health
8. Centers for Disease Control
9. www.flu.gov