Clinical Communications
What is an Influenza Pandemic?
A pandemic flu is one that causes a global outbreak. This occurs when humans are exposed to a new influenza A virus for which there is little or no immunity in the human population. The virus causes serious illness and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide.
What should we do?
For starters, we need to ensure that we protect our healthcare workers by establishing infection control principles that minimize or prevent the spread of pandemic influenza in the medical office setting. The responsibility lies with the physicians, nurses and all employees that are in contact with the public.
What are the symptoms of influenza?
Fever, headache, tenderness or pain in the muscles, exhaustion, inflammation on the nasal mucous membrane accompanied by profuse nasal discharge, sore throat, and cough. Otitis media, nausea, and vomiting are also commonly reported among children. Influenza (or ”flu-like”) symptoms, such as fever, may not always be present in elderly patients, young children, patients in long-term care facilities, or persons with underlying chronic illnesses.
What are the key points to focus on when establishing the Pandemic Flu Plan?
- Educate and Train all employees on the infection control principles. Repeat education on an annual basis.
- Stock all supplies needed for a pandemic. PPE (personal protective equipment) is used to prevent direct contact with the pandemic influenza virus. PPE includes specified masks (N95 respirator or 3M respirator), and gloves and gowns, as recommended for standard precautions.
- Proper disposal of contaminated supplies.
- Environmental cleaning and disinfection.
- Triage and management of patients during a pandemic influenza outbreak.
- How to staff the office when employees are out sick during a pandemic.
Keep in mind that a pandemic spreads quickly and the healthcare system may not be able to accommodate the increase in demand. It is extremely important that all medical offices establish a Pandemic Flu Plan and train all physicians and employees. We need to do everything in our power to decrease the spread of the virus by adhering to a well thought out plan.
For additional information visit www.cdc.gov/flu
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