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LOCAL HOSPITALS ON THE LOOKOUT
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 -- 2:03 pm
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
Whether it’s Swine Flu, or another disease, local hospitals and clinics will be on the frontline.
Sharon Bergsholm, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville, says their staff has been kept up to date by state and federal authorities.
"All hospitals are being put on the alert to be on the lookout for potential cases," Bergsholm says.
The government has issued guidelines for evaluating potential cases, treatment and protection of employees and other patients, she notes.
It’s a bit tricky, though, because the Swine Flu doesn’t really have any unique characteristics. "That's what's going to be very challenging. What we're looking for is coughing, sore throat, fever...those are pretty common symptoms with a respiratory virus," says Bergsholm.
Those exhibiting flu-like symptoms will get extra scrutiny, especially if they’ve traveled to, or came in contact with someone that had traveled to, an infected area; those patients will have a swab sent to the state lab in Madison.
There have been no suspected cases of Swine Flu locally; quite frankly, Bergsholm says she doesn’t expect there will be.
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