Update: 2009 H1N1 Flu and the Seasonal Flu

Austin had an earlier-than-expected flu season with record numbers of people throughout the region getting sick from H1N1 (swine) Flu.

Austin Regional Clinic saw the same number of patients in September and October as we usually see at the height of the regular flu season, which usually falls in January and February. In addition to the higher demand for our services, we had to manage the added complications of constantly changing information about the virus and about the vaccine.

To manage the flow of information to our doctors, staff, and patients, ARC established a Pandemic Committee that includes individuals who represent all areas of ARC operations. The committee members were charged with attending the regional health meetings, sitting in on the CDC webcasts, reviewing the evolving medical information, and conveying information, education, and precautions to doctors, staff, and patients.

Everyone in the organization pitched in, whether they worked extra hours, saw more patients, answered more questions or communicated more with fellow workers. Patients stayed updated via the daily updates on the ARC web site and announcements sent out via the ARC Twitter page and the ARC Facebook page.

We thank all of our doctors and staff for their hard work, and also thank our patients for helping to keep phone lines free and for checking AustinRegionalClinic.com for daily updates.

Though flu cases have dropped considerably through December and January, it may not be over yet. We are halfway through our usual flu season, and may still see the usual rise in seasonal flu cases over the next few weeks.

The CDC has predicted that we may see another wave of H1N1 flu cases, similar to last year’s wave in the spring. Whatever the case, ARC doctors and staff are ready.

Keep taking the usual precautions of washing your hands, coughing into your sleeve, and staying home if you have a fever. And stay tuned for more ARC announcements and updates by visiting AustinRegionalClinic.com, signing up to receive ARC tweets, and by following us on Facebook.