At Bon Secours Virginia, our primary goal is to provide
Good Help to Those in Need®.

UPDATE: The increasing incidence of H1N1 and expectation of a surge of cases has caused Bon Secours Virginia to take proactive steps to protect our patients and employees from potential exposure to the flu. For this reason, we've implemented a new visitation restriction policy limiting visitors to healthy adults 18 years and older. For more information, click here.

Bon Secours Virginia has been monitoring the recent outbreak of the new influenza virus and has Pandemic Influenza contingency plans coordinated with our Public Heath Emergency Officers. With reports of a significant outbreak in Mexico and sporadic cases around the United States, including Virginia, you may have questions about our planning and preparedness.

U.S. health officials are urging Americans to be calm and to exercise good hygienic practice as the best prevention measure. Bon Secours Medical Group physician Jim Cisek, MD, echoes the advice given by the CDC and others.

"There are things you can do to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus or any seasonal flu strain," says Cisek. "Washing your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can have benefits, even if you've been exposed to the virus."

Although no one wants to miss work or school, Dr. Cisek is firm in his advice. "If you're sick, don't go to work, or to school, or to a social engagement. You're shedding the virus, and could put others at risk."

If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness, especially if you are at high risk for complications of the flu, you should consult your healthcare provider. If you need a physician referral, please call (804) 359-WELL[9355].

What is the H1N1 Virus? (¿Cuál es la influenza porcina?)

Click here for more information.

Latest Information (Información más reciente):

• Centers for Disease Control H1N1 Virus outbreak page
• CDC: Información sobre la influenza porcina (gripe porcina)
• “What’s New” from the Centers for Disease Control: Up to the minute information
• CDC Calls for delay of all non-essential travel to Mexico
• H1N1 Virus and You
• World Health Organization

Information for Parents & Expecting Mothers
(Información para los padres y las madres embarazadas):

What you should know about pregnancy and H1N1 ("Swine flu")

H1N1 ("Swine Flu") information for parents and caregivers

Virginia Resources (Recursos de Virginia):

• Virginia Department of Health
• Virginia Department of Health's H1N1 Virus Information Hotline: 1-877-275-8343

Prevention Tips (Información para prevenir):

• Stay at Home Toolkit for Influenza
• Cover Your Cough
• Hoja informativa: Buenos hábitos de salud para prevenir la influenza
• Planifique y Prepárese

Page last updated: October 26, 2009 - 1:09 PM ET