The ugly truth is that Summer is over, Fall is upon us
and with that is the start of Flu and Norovirus season. While the Flu season does not typically peak
until January-February, we have entered into what we consider the "FLU
SEASON" (read with the Twilight Zone theme song in mind) and truly never
know when we may start to see cases or outbreaks of Influenza within hospitals,
long term care facilities or schools pop up.
The fact that my son has come down with his first
"viral" infection of the Fall and I just finished reading an article
by Wong et al published in Pediatrics titled "Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths in the United States, 2004−2012" seemed a good enough
reason to tackle infection prevention practices for the flu. But first, let me highlight some of the facts
uncovered in the study:
"viral" infection of the Fall and I just finished reading an article
by Wong et al published in Pediatrics titled "Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths in the United States, 2004−2012" seemed a good enough
reason to tackle infection prevention practices for the flu. But first, let me highlight some of the facts
uncovered in the study:
1. Between 2004 & 2013 the CDC logged 830 flu deaths
in children younger than 18.
in children younger than 18.
2. 43% of the children who died, did not have underlying
conditions that put them at risk for flu complications.
conditions that put them at risk for flu complications.
3. A disproportionate number of flu deaths were seen in
kids with underlying conditions such as asthma (there are currently 7.1 Million
children in the US who have asthma).
kids with underlying conditions such as asthma (there are currently 7.1 Million
children in the US who have asthma).
4. Previously healthy youngsters appeared to die more
quickly than those who had underlying conditions—one-third died within 3 days
of symptom onset. Pneumonia was the most
frequent complication.
quickly than those who had underlying conditions—one-third died within 3 days
of symptom onset. Pneumonia was the most
frequent complication.
5. Few of the children who died were vaccinated against
flu.
flu.
First off, the flu is NOT a gastro or intestinal
bug. Influenza is a highly contagious
respiratory disease caused by an Influenza virus. Unlike the common cold, the flu usually comes
on suddenly and most people will often feel some or all of these symptoms:
bug. Influenza is a highly contagious
respiratory disease caused by an Influenza virus. Unlike the common cold, the flu usually comes
on suddenly and most people will often feel some or all of these symptoms:
• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (but not EVERYONE will
have a fever)
have a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this
is more common in children than adults.
is more common in children than adults.
People with flu can spread it by coughing, sneezing or
TALKING to others up to about 6 feet away!
The droplets "excreted" by someone carrying the flu can land
in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the
lungs. People can also get flu by
touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their
own mouth or nose.
TALKING to others up to about 6 feet away!
The droplets "excreted" by someone carrying the flu can land
in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the
lungs. People can also get flu by
touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their
own mouth or nose.
This is where my favorite INTERVENTION strategies come in
to play:
to play:
1. Cleaning:
Environmental surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected frequently with
an EPA or Health Canada approved disinfectant.
Access to Pre-moistened wipes that can be easily used without need for
PPE is a great way to include not just nursing and environmental services staff
as the primary parties for cleaning and disinfection. Visitors, patients and students (for schools)
can also do their part in helping to keep the environment clean and flu free!
Environmental surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected frequently with
an EPA or Health Canada approved disinfectant.
Access to Pre-moistened wipes that can be easily used without need for
PPE is a great way to include not just nursing and environmental services staff
as the primary parties for cleaning and disinfection. Visitors, patients and students (for schools)
can also do their part in helping to keep the environment clean and flu free!
2. Hand Hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and water. If
soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
3. Vaccination:
The annual Flu shot can help reduce your chance of getting seasonal flu
by 80%. The flu kills, why chance yours
or a loved one's life!
The annual Flu shot can help reduce your chance of getting seasonal flu
by 80%. The flu kills, why chance yours
or a loved one's life!
According to the WHO, Influenza A H3N2 is the predominant
strain in circulation this year. Check
out the WHO Influenza website for the latest flu trends and Influenza activity
from around the world.
strain in circulation this year. Check
out the WHO Influenza website for the latest flu trends and Influenza activity
from around the world.
Stay safe this FLU SEASON!
Bugging Off!
Nicole
