Pandemic preparation: How to prepare for swine flu
As the fall and winter months approach, hospitals are gearing up for more than the average flu season. Officials are predicting that the outbreak of the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, will hit the country much harder than in the spring and that as many as half the population may become infected.
The Washington Post reports the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology has warned that as many as 1.8 million people could be hospitalized by the H1N1 virus, causing as many as 90,000 deaths. The 86-page report offers guidance on the nation’s response to the first influenza pandemic in 41 years.
Healthcare professionals can find a wealth of information online regarding infection prevention and guidance on preparing for a pandemic in your region. Three great Web sites to visit regularly for flu updates include:
- Flu.gov: Listen to an audio clip or read the transcript of an August 21 briefing from representatives of the CDC, National Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or click on a map that allows you to find out what’s happening in your state.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Regular updates and large amounts of information for health professionals.
- World Health Organization: Information and guidance about swine flu across the world as well as in the U.S.
What is your facility doing to prepare for the upcoming flu season? Which Web sites do you go to for advice and helpful tips? How are you asking your nurses to prepare?
About the Author: Sarah is an Editorial Assistant in the patient safety group at HCPro, Inc. She contributes to two monthly newsletters; Briefings on the Joint Commission and Briefings on Patient Safety, and manages four e-zines; Accreditation Connection, AHAP Staff Challenge, Nurse Manager Weekly, and Healthcare Training Weekly. She also helps research new products for the patient safety and nursing market. She graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2008 where she earned her bachelor's degree in English.
Rocky | Aug 26, 2009 | Reply
When an infected person coughs or sneezes (and does not cover his/her mouth) the viruses fly into the air along with mucus, saliva and other secretions. More Information….
http://www.manipalcureandcare.com/preventive/Flu-Influenza.aspx
allison | Aug 30, 2009 | Reply
There are natural alternatives to the flu vaccine without horrible side effects. Viralox is an anti-viral spray that is made from colostrum and has no side effects and helps to boost the immune system to fight off the flu. I found this website after looking at incr.org for information about colostrum and found a wealth of information. Just say no to the vaccine and yes to natural immune boosting.