Mass. hospitals, swine flu precautions

NEW BEDFORD, MASS., (WPRI) - The two confirmed cases of swine flu in Massachusetts are in the northern part of the state.

Still, hospitals in Southeastern, Mass., are actively educating the public and telling everyone to take precautions. When you enter St. Luke's Hospital, you'll see is a poster about swine flu, along with take-home packets in English, Spanish and Portuguese. So far, they say, education has been the best medicine.

Dr. Sam Shen, from South Coast Health System says, "Surprisingly, we haven't had that many people come in for concern about the swine flu."

Patients are coming in with symptoms typical for this time of year like sneezing, coughing, and runny noses. Doctors say the flu is also accompanied by fever and fatigue. But even doctors are reading up about swine flu.

"We've received email communication from the hospital, infection control. The hospital is taking all of the precautions for patients to have an increased surveillance of the flu virus," says Dr. Shen.

As of Thursday, there are no reported cases of swine flu in Southeastern, Mass., Still doctors say be cautious.

"Good and washing techniques, and again if they're sick and not feeling well, to stay home," says Dr. Shen.

Click here for the South coast hospitals information on the swine flu.