Southcoast takes leadership role in regional flu response

Weekly podcast, health facts and community guidance at www.southcoast.org/flu/

Subscribe to our weekly video podcast, "Flu Facts: Spread the message, not the flu," through iTunes.

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group continues to monitor, plan and implement a regional response to the H1N1 (Swine) flu outbreak, including a Website and weekly video podcast to keep people informed of the latest developments.

Working on multiple fronts, inside the hospital walls and beyond, Southcoast is providing outreach information to community members, high-risk populations and coordinating with local health agencies on community H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccination programs.

Information is changing daily and it is difficult to keep up-to-date. A primary source of information and crucial link to local health facts is the hospitals' Website: www.southcoast.org/flu/. The latest recommendations, updates and guidance from federal and state health experts is compiled in one convenient location along with additional local resources, such as:

• Weekly video podcast, "Flu Facts: Spread the message, not the flu," featuring Eugene McMahon, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group. Each week the podcast will cover key facts about the flu and news and information about local resources, such as flu clinics. The podcast is available at www.southcoast.org/flu/ or through iTunes.

• Frequent "Flu Facts" and updates via Facebook, Twitter and Southcoast eNews.

• Easy links to federal and state officials to find the latest news and information.

• Helpful tips and fact sheets.

• A "Quick Poll" visitor response on all things flu, such as "When is the best time to hold a flu clinic?" and "Do you plan to get the H1N1 flu shot?" Polls will change each week.

• Guidance for special populations, including pregnant women, what you can do and caring for someone with the flu at home.

• A free "Flu Facts" poster for the public encouraging proper hygiene that can be downloaded and displayed in public areas.

• Listings of H1N1 flu clinics (once the vaccine becomes available).

"Southcoast continues to dedicate significant resources to monitoring and responding to the H1N1 (Swine) flu outbreak. Our regional health care network provides our community members a coordinated response and consistent local information," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO, Southcoast Hospitals Group. "We are encouraging community members to take advantage of the resources that are available through Southcoast and federal and state health experts."

Southcoast will be hosting H1N1 (Swine) flu clinics once the vaccine is available. Hospital officials have also been meeting with local health agencies throughout the South Coast region regarding joint clinics and providing staff and expertise for distribution and administration of the vaccine.

General information on influenza is also available through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's free health information line by dialing 2-1-1 from anywhere in Massachusetts.