Thursday, September 08, 2005
Flu Pandemic
According to an article in the September issue of Nursing 2005 magazine, the CDC considers an avian flu pandemic "likely".
"If the avian flu virus acquires the ability to spread easily, from person to person, it could trigger a world-wide epidemic (pandemic). The flu pandemic of 1918, which killed an estimated 21 million poeple worldwide, was also caused by an influenza A virus that may have originated with birds." (Avian influenza: Are you ready for a pandemic? pg 26)
What can you do to protect yourself? The article was directed at health care workers, and so most of the information provided is directed at patient care. However, the article did provide family and patient teaching, which amounts to cough etiquette, disposing of used tissues, the importance of hand hygiene, and food handling tips.
According to the article, the Department of Health and Human Services is stockpiling the antiviral drug, oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which prevents the virus from replicating and shortens the duration of the illness. It can also be given to prevent infection. (ibid)
"If the avian flu virus acquires the ability to spread easily, from person to person, it could trigger a world-wide epidemic (pandemic). The flu pandemic of 1918, which killed an estimated 21 million poeple worldwide, was also caused by an influenza A virus that may have originated with birds." (Avian influenza: Are you ready for a pandemic? pg 26)
What can you do to protect yourself? The article was directed at health care workers, and so most of the information provided is directed at patient care. However, the article did provide family and patient teaching, which amounts to cough etiquette, disposing of used tissues, the importance of hand hygiene, and food handling tips.
According to the article, the Department of Health and Human Services is stockpiling the antiviral drug, oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which prevents the virus from replicating and shortens the duration of the illness. It can also be given to prevent infection. (ibid)
