By Terri T. Johnson, For the Observer-Reporter, newsroom@observer-reporter.com 

Along with federal and state agencies, local hospitals are preparing for the anticipated spread of the H1N1 virus, also called swine flu.

Tracy Stieglitz, infection control manager for Washington Hospital, said no cases have been reported at the hospital. However, the staff and administrators are preparing for an influx of influenza-like symptoms as the season progresses.

The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of seasonal flu, but diagnosis requires a specialized laboratory test done through the state.

Vaccines are available for seasonal flu. A vaccine to help fight swine flu is in production and is expected to be available for hospitals by mid-October. How the public will receive the inoculations is still being planned.
 

"We're trying to give doctors' offices information, and information to the public that unless it's an emergency situation, like difficulty breathing, they should contact their family physician," Stieglitz said of those with flu symptoms.

The same advice is being given by Beverly Mueller, nursing director, and Dr. Jonathan Landis, medical director, both at Canonsburg General Hospital's emergency department.

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