Welcome to HickoryRecord.com. Skip directly to: our Keyword Search, Section Navigation, Content.

HickoryRecord.com - Hickory Daily Record

HomeNewsEntertainmentSportsLifestylesOpinionCommunityWeather Online Tools Jobs | Real Estate | Shopping | Classified

Hospital says it's prepared if H1N1 flu hits

Alan Rogers | Hickory Daily Record

Kevin Clark is Frye Regional Medical Center's chief of staff.

By Dee Henry | Hickory Daily Record

Published: May 1, 2009

HICKORY - While the number of cases of H1N1 flu increases, both in the United States and other countries, officials at Frye Regional Medical Center discussed the need for people to not let fear get in the way of their better judgment.

"We wish to take this opportunity to caution the public to remain calm. While this outbreak is serious, this flu is treatable," said Michael Barrick, emergency preparedness coordinator at Frye.

Barrick said he and the staff at Frye have stayed in contact with state health officials and have been holding daily meetings to make plans should the strain of flu hit Catawba County.

"For several years, Frye has place a firm focus on emergency preparedness. As a result, we have a strong team of doctors, clinicians, administrators and support staff in place to respond to various emergencies, including this outbreak," he said.

The number of confirmed cases in the United States increased by 32 Friday, increasing to a total of 141. North Carolina has not had any confirmed cases, but South Carolina has had 16 reports of the virus.

New York has the most confirmed cases at 50, followed by Texas with 28. That state also reported the only death in the country — a 23-month-old child visiting the U.S. from Mexico.

Worldwide, 13 countries have reported 367 confirmed cases of the virus. The only deaths reported from the disease have been in Mexico, where nine people have died. That country has reported 156 confirmed cases.

Other countries reporting cases are Austria, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Barrick, along with Chief of Staff Dr. Kevin Clark and infectious disease physician Grace Auton, urged people to first see their family doctor if they experience flu-like symptoms — fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing, for example.

But he warned that a trip to the Emergency Room could be unnerving to some.

"Should you need to report to our Emergency Department, you may see staff wearing masks, gloves, goggles and gowns. This should not alarm you; rather it should comfort you, as these steps are taken to minimize the risk of spreading the disease," he said.

Clark said people should keep in mind that this time of year is the time for sniffles and flu.

"It is important to remember that we are in the height of the spring allergy season," Clark said. "Additionally, it is important to remember that we are still in the annual flu season. So, just because someone complains of the flu or even has the flu, does not mean they have the H1N1 virus."

Auton said the main objectives at this time are identifying outbreaks early, getting treatment to those who need it quickly and stopping, or lessening, any complications of the virus. She added medical professionals are experienced in such situations, a fact that should be calming to people.

"Every day, we practice standard infection prevention procedures to limit the spread of diseases. We are taking seriously the need to be ready," she said. "In doing so, we can sensibly and calmly prepare for whatever the next weeks and months hold."