Dr. Issa Ephtimios will discuss the prevalence of H1N1 swine flu in our community and local availability of the H1N1 vaccine, as well as ways to prevent the spread of the flu, during an upcoming talk at Sacred Heart Hospital. The public is welcome to the free presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. in the Greenhut Auditorium at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Dr. Ephtimios is an infectious disease specialist with the Center for Prevention and Treatment of Infections in Pensacola and a member of the Sacred Heart Hospital Medical Staff.

As of mid-October 2009, influenza activity continued to increase in the U.S. and was widespread in 46 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like illness are higher than levels expected for this time of the year, and almost all of the influenza viruses currently being identified are the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. CDC reports that influenza-related deaths and hospitalization rates from April to October 2009 exceed rates of the average flu season, which is typically from October to April.

Seating for the seminar is limited and registration is requested. Please call (850) 416-1600 to register.

For more information on the H1N1 virus, please visit www.sacred-heart.org or
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or call the Florida Department of Health Call Center Line at 877-352-3581.

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