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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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

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

11. 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.

12. Who Should Get Vaccinated?

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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)

18. Possible Side Effects include….

19. 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

20. 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

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

22. 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?

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

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

25. 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

26. How Will This Work?
We need you!

27. 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

28. 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

29. Report any reactions to Employee Health ASAP!

30. Encouragement!

31. Incentives!
Prizes
Raffles

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