GRAYSON COUNTY, TX -- The H1N1 virus has become a fact of life for people in Texoma, but now the goal is to prevent the virus from spreading from person to person. While the keys to preventing an outbreak aren't complicated, stopping H1N1 requires the work of Hospitals, doctors, and individuals alike.
"We are seeing more flu activity but we are also more aware of the flu so we are doing more testing for the flu," said Donna Glenn, the Director of infection prevention and control for Texoma Medical Center.
TMC has made some changes in the way they deal with patients in the emergency room, changes that have come about as a direct result from the H1N1 flu virus.
"The regular flu attacks our older population, H1N1 attacks our young people and pregnant mothers," said Glenn.
What makes H1n1 even more worrisome for mothers to be and children, is the fact that the virus can be easily transferred from person to person.
"It is kind of early to tell it but it appears to be highly contagious," said Glenn.
Because of this, hospitals are taking action.
At TMC patients with flu like symptoms are taken directly into the emergency room, if there aren't beds available, patients are asked to wear a mask and sit in a separated are, complete with an air scrubber.
Wilson N. Jones hospital has amended some of its rules as well to deal with the virus.
"Kids under the age of 12 don't need to come up here and visit , employees need to keep their children from coming up here as well," said Janice Walker of Wilson N. Jones Hospital.
Since Children are more at risk to catch H1N1 they are also more likely to spread the disease, Wilson N. Jones is also asking people who are already sick to stay home.
"Any one running a fever or have signs and symptoms of flu like illness doesn't need to visit their family," said Walker.
With all the tools and technology that modern medicine affords, the best way to beat the flu and prevent an outbreak is still fairly low tech; get vaccinated, if you are sick go to the doctor, and then stay home and get better.
"So if you are following those recommendations you are doing all you can do at this point," said Walker.
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