‘Wythenshawe’ ‘Hospitals’ and ‘Swine Flu’
Amid fears of a new outbreak of ‘swine flu’ this winter, ‘Wythenshawe Hospitals’ has been named as the north’s ‘swine flu’ centre.
Wythenshawe ‘Hospital’ will be the only ‘hospitals’ in the region – and one of just five in the country – providing specialist treatment for seriously-ill H1N1 patients from next month.
“Please take the time to read this article and allow your self to digest the information, then, if you wish let me know what your thoughts are by submitting a comment in the box below or if you prefer simply tell people or cut & paste the URL into your Facebook page and help us spread the word… Alternatively if you wish to talk with a counsellor then please do not hesitate in contacting us. Thank you.”
Last winter, saw a huge surge in swine flu cases, with many patients suffering severe breathing problems. The virus killed 27 people in Greater Manchester. Wythenshawe was one of the hospitals chosen to pilot the highly-specialist treatment, called Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) last December.
The life-support technique uses a £40,000 machine which takes blood from the heart, removes carbon dioxide, and pumps oxygen into it before pushing it back around the body.
The treatment is only needed by a tiny percentage of swine flu patients who suffer major complications. It allows their lungs to rest completely and recover.
It takes between five days and three weeks and even if it is successful patients still face a long recovery on intensive care.
They have converted a whole unit to become ‘A Swine Flu Unit’.
Older people are usually more at risk of seasonal flu and having a more serious illness than younger people. However, one of the characteristics of H1N1 is that it seems to affect younger people more than older people. One theory for this is that older people were exposed to a similar strain of the virus earlier in their lives and so have some immunity to H1N1.
Many of the people who have died from flu this season have been under 65, but also had other conditions.
THE symptoms of swine flu are similar to more common strains of the virus.
They include: a fever (over 38C); unusual tiredness; headache; runny nose; sore throat; shortness of breath or cough; loss of appetite; aching muscles; diarrhoea; vomiting.
It makes sense to have a thermometer at home as an increase in temperature is a key symptom.
If you have any concerns contact your GP or NHS Direct 0845 4657
Please contact your GP surgery before attending any hospital or medical centre.
“Please take the time to read this article and allow your self to digest the information, then, if you wish let me know what your thoughts are by submitting a comment in the box below or if you prefer simply tell people or cut & paste the URL into your facebook page and help us to spread the word…Alternatively if you wish to talk with a counsellor then please do not hesitate in contacting us. Thank you.”
Hope this is helpful.
