FARMINGTON – Franklin Community Health Network has had a pandemic flu preparedness plan in place for years and has tested it to ensure an efficient and immediate response in the event of a local outbreak.

The network, which includes Franklin Memorial Hospital, was among the first hospital networks in Maine to develop such a plan.

“The plan looks at how the hospital will deal with a ‘surge’ of patients,” said Rebecca Ryder, FCHN president and chief executive officer. “It also covers patient triage, admissions, clinical guidelines, and other issues and roles, responsibilities, and key activities before, during, and following the outbreak.”

This week cases of swine flu in Maine were identified and announced.

Although no cases of swine flu have been diagnosed at Franklin Memorial, according to Dr. David Dixon, updates on local swine flu activity may be heard on the Greater Franklin County flu hot line. The recorded hot line offers information about swine flu prevention, symptoms, what you should do if you become sick, and more. The hot line number is 207-779-3147.

Daily updates will also be posted on the FCHN Web site at www.fchn.org and sent to media outlets.

According to the Maine Centers for Disease Control, symptoms of the swine flu are similar to those of seasonal influenza, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

Spread of this virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. The most important strategies to minimize the flu’s impact in Maine are those of vigilant respiratory hygiene: covering coughs and sneezes with sleeves or elbows; washing hands frequently; and staying home if ill, especially with a fever.

Those wanting additional information about swine flu – the strain is called the H1N1 virus – may call the Maine Center for Disease Control toll-free information line at 1-888-257-0990 during regular business hours.

“Anyone who becomes ill with flu-like symptoms may contact their health care provider to determine whether testing or treatment is needed,” Ryder said.

“And, stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.”