| RD Poll |
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No Poll this week. |
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VACCINATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
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In addition to the seasonal flu vaccine,  beginning this month a second vaccination for H1N1 is available through your healthcare provider. The CDC has recommended the following order of priority for the H1N1 vaccine:
- Pregnant women
- All household members with contact with a child under 6 months of age
- Healthcare personnel
- Children 6 months old to those 24 years old
- Adults 25 to 64 years old with a health condition placing them at higher risk
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| Got the Flu? |
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| Issue: 38 |
October 15, 2009 |
| Greetings!
You have seen and heard a lot of information about H1N1, but please take a moment to scan the valuable information that Lee has assembled for you. |
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RD News |
Is H1N1 Coming to a Community Near You?
 Since the H1N1 (formerly called Swine Flu) emergency was declared last April we have learned so much more about this potent virus. A few surprises are keeping epidemiologists and healthcare professionals on their toes. Over the summer the media news about this influenza seemed to die down. However, over 100 confirmed H1N1 acute hospital admissions were occurring each week in California since last spring. The demographics of these cases are exactly the opposite of the usual seasonal influenza:
· 80% of H1N1 cases are less than 2 years old
· 12% of H1N1 cases are between 25 to 60 years old
· 12,384 cases of H1N1 influenza have been reported nationwide since last spring (they only count confirmed cases that are hospitalized, so this number is much, much higher)
· 1544 deaths have occurred nationwide since last spring due to H1N1
There is now an assumption that older individuals were exposed to a similar strain of influenza virus sometime in the past which is affording older people immunity. While this appears to be good news for the older clients we serve in healthcare facilities, there is grave concern for the care givers who serve the vulnerable elderly. Some skilled nursing facilities are sending letters to all their resident's families explaining H1N1 precautions, banning any persons with flu-like symptoms and limiting visitors to those over 18 years old. All news media sources, as well as healthcare providers, have continued to promote hand hygiene and cough etiquette as the best way to protect yourself from this virus. This virus is easily transmitted by droplets of respiratory secretions which can survive for five minutes on surfaces and hands. It is critical that people refrain from touching their face, nose, eyes or mouth to prevent transmission. The most informative source for H1N1 status and guidelines is on the CDC website with numerous links on their home page.
It is important to note that flu season is just beginning and usually continues through May of each year. All ready numerous school districts and colleges across the nation have been forced to suspend classes to reduce the transmission of this virus. Since children and young adults are so vulnerable to this virus, parents are encouraged to take extra precautions and may be required to stay home with sick or dismissed children (which may pose another disruption to workplaces.) |
| RD Tip |
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE FLU
The H1N1 virus is suspected in any person under 60 years old with new onset of cough and/or fever. It is critical for your well-being, other staff and residents that any healthcare worker STAY HOME if you have flu-like symptoms. The guidelines for healthcare and food service workers are that they be excluded from work for FIVE days after the onset of symptoms. If you develop flu-like symptoms, please report to the HM Composite office or your supervisor immediately and then STAY HOME. The HMC management team drafted a "Pandemic Emergency Operations Plan" and will work with all staff and facilities to meet resident needs and protect our employees should the need arise.
Another requirement that may affect staffing is that if there is an outbreak cluster (3 or more cases within 72 hours) at a facility, staff will be asked to not report to work at a second job in another healthcare facility to lessen the risk of infecting others. If such a cluster or emergency is determined in a facility where you are assigned, please notify The HMC corporate office for further guidance. We are here to help you.
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| How to Prevent Spreading the FLU |
1. Stay home if you are sick with influenza-like symptoms such as fever or chills AND cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting. CDC recommends that sick workers stay home if they are ill with influenza-like illness until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8° C] or greater) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. This would require employees to stay home for 3 to 5 days in most cases but healthcare and food service workers is 5 days.) CDC recommends this time period away from work regardless of whether or not antiviral medications are used.
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
3. Avoid close contact with sick people.
4. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
5. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve. Dispose of tissues in no-touch trash receptacles.
6. Wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
7. Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean, such as telephones, computer equipment, etc.
8. Try not to use other workers' phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment. If necessary, consider cleaning them first with a disinfectant.
9. Maintain a healthy lifestyle; attention to rest, diet, exercise, and relaxation helps maintain physical and emotional health. |
| Dear Dietitians; |
HMC supports all staff protecting themselves with these vaccinations unless contraindicated by their healthcare provider. Low cost vaccination clinics are readily available, even for those uninsured, at places like drugstores. To promote increased vaccination of HMC staff members, HMC will reimburse you $10 for seasonal influenza vaccinations received since June 2009 and $20 for H1N1 vaccinations. Submit any documentation to the HMC corporate office. If your healthcare provider offers these vaccinations at no cost, you are still eligible for this as a one-time benefit payment. So, roll up your sleeves, get vaccinated and earn an extra $30 from HMC ---- we want you to be well this flu season.
To your good health, Lee
Lee Tincher, MS, RD
HMComposite, Inc. | |
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Registered Dietitian Newsletter
