INFLUENZA (FLU) Management Presentation PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES!

Objectives To promote the influenza vaccination program To institute Infection Control measures for the prevention of influenza To increase vaccination rate among employees

WHAT IS INFLUENZA? (ALSO KNOWN AS THE FLU) The flu is a contagious respiratory illness It is caused by influenza viruses It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death It can be prevented by getting the flu vaccination each year

Key Facts about the Flu Every year in the United States, on average: - 5% to 20% of the population are infected with the flu - More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications - About 36,000 people die from the flu

Symptoms of Flu Symptoms of flu include: Fever (usually high) Headache Extreme tiredness Dry cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle aches Stomach symptoms , such as nausea and diarrhea

Complications of the Flu Pneumonia Dehydration Worsening of medical conditions (Asthma, Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure)

How the Flu Spreads Respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing Touching your mouth and nose after touching something with flu viruses on it Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick

How to prevent the Spread of Flu Get Vaccinated! And...

Use Respiratory Hygiene/ Cough Etiquette: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing If you do not have tissues available, sneeze into your sleeve, not into your hands Use tissues to contain respiratory secretions; dispose of tissues after use Perform hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions Sit at least 3 feet away from others if you are coughing or sneezing

The Flu Shot The flu shot contains inactivated (killed) virus Two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection.

When To Get Vaccinated October and November is the best time to get vaccinated Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

People at High Risk for Complications: People 65 years and older Children Those who are immunosuppressed or have chronic medical conditions

People 50 to 64 Years of Age: Nearly one third of people in this age category have medical conditions that place them at risk for serious flu complications

People who can transmit flu to others at high risk for complications: Healthcare workers Caregivers of children 6 to 23 months old Close contacts of people 65 years and older

Priority Groups/ CDC Recommendations People 65 years of age and older People 2-64 years with chronic health conditions Children 6-23 months Pregnant women Healthcare personnel who provide direct patient care Household contact and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age

Who Should Not be Vaccinated? Those with severe allergy to chicken eggs Those who have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine in the past Those who have developed Guillain Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of getting a flu vaccine previously Children less than 6 months of age Those who have a moderate or severe illness with fever (May return for the vaccine when symptoms lessen)

Possible Side Effects include….

Mild Symptoms Mild symptoms could start soon after the vaccine is given and may last for one or two days: Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given Fever (low grade) Body aches

Severe Reactions Severe reactions such, as breathing problems, could occur a few minutes to a few hours after the shot, usually among people with severe allergy to eggs. Influenza vaccine is grown in hens’ eggs

Tuesday Oct. 3 – Friday Oct. 6 The Vaccination Plan! All employees will be offered vaccine within four days Tuesday Oct. 3 – Friday Oct. 6

Why are we doing this? To promote wellness and avoid the flu To implement and “test” our emergency plan: In the event of an emergency, how SAFELY and QUICKLY can we immunize everyone at Calvary? Does our plan work?

Promotion Campaign Letter will be sent to all employees by CEO Employee Health/Infection Control Day on Oct. 2nd Posters & Flyers

Education Employee Health Newsletter Power Point self-learning module Printed material

Vaccine Distribution Vaccinators assigned to various departments with “Vaccination Kits” prepared by EHS Vaccinators to work with Department Managers to distribute vaccine in each department

How Will This Work? We need you!

Self-Learning Module To be distributed to staff by vaccinators and managers In-service education record to be returned to Employee Health Friday, Oct. 6th

We will come to your department! Vaccinators We will come to your department! Employee Health Infection Control Physicians Patient Service Managers Staff Development Nursing Supervisors

Report any reactions to Employee Health ASAP!

Encouragement!

Incentives! Prizes Raffles

Questions About the Flu? Please contact: Employee Health Services x2165 Infection Control x2263 Source: CDC Guidelines and Recommendations, January 2005