Dear community members,
Different flu-like infections continue to be observed in the region, including swine flu (H1N1). There have been confirmed reported cases in the area and the numbers are increasing. H1N1 is a common seasonal flu virus which has the potential to cause serious problems in some at-risk groups. People who are at risk are mainly young children, elderly, pregnant ladies and those who suffer from any long term illness. A simple flu vaccination can reduce the risk of you getting H1N1 or developing serious complications. The virus is not known to cause any serious problems in most healthy individuals.
KMC strongly encourages all of you to get the flu vaccination, if you have not already gotten one this year. You can call and make an appointment in family medicine and as previously announced, the 25 SAR fee is waived for any appointment you make to get the vaccine through the end of December. You can also make an appointment or walk in this coming Saturday, December 19 and get your flu vaccine.
As an additional measure to help prevent the spread of infections, a dedicated flu clinic was set up in our emergency room. The clinic is open from 8.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. daily. This family physician-run clinic would only deal with those who are suffering from any symptoms suggestive of flu or complications due to the flu. Signs are displayed at the KMC entrance and emergency room to show you how to access this clinic.
General precautions
- People who develop flulike illness (such as fever with either a cough or a sore throat) are strongly encouraged to self-isolate in their home for 7 days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer
- If you feel unwell and need medical attention you should attend the flu clinic or KMC ER as a walk-in
- If you or your child have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or suspect you are severely ill, you should seek immediate medical attention and come to the emergency room
- If you must go into the community, you should wear a face mask to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community when coughing, sneezing, talking, or breathing. If a face mask is unavailable, ill persons who need to go into the community should use tissues to cover their mouth and nose while coughing.
- While in home isolation, patients and other household members should observe good infection control measures such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, using alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 70 % alcohol) when soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty. Patients with H1N1 influenza should wear a face mask when within 6 feet of others at home.
Further information can also be found at:
If you have any questions or concerns, please ask your family physician or email patient-relations@kaust.edu.sa.