...Discussion The goal of this program would be to continually work towards changing HCW’s perceptions about influenza vaccination rather than institute a controversial mandatory vaccination program and risk alienating HMC employees. Studies conducted during 2010-2012 revealed that a multi-dimensional staff vaccination program that included education, training, and active informed declination was significantly more effective than a program that focused only on individual incentives. This was demonstrated by the rise in vaccination coverage from 88% in 2010 to 96% in 2012 at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Podczervinski et al., 2015). Researchers discovered that ultimately, the burdensome time and inconvenience of completing the required face-to-face...
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...workers (HCWs) have been targeted for influenza (flu) vaccination. The first reason is to protect HCWs from disease and to prevent work absenteeism, particularly during flu outbreaks or pandemics. The second motive is to protect others such as co-workers and family members, especially vulnerable patients in their care since HCWs can be a significant source of nosocomial spread of influenza. When a healthcare professional receives a vaccination, it sets an example for colleagues and others in the community and increases the likelihood HCWs will advocate for vaccination. Purpose of the Intervention The purpose of the proposed intervention is to maximize vaccination rates in...
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...Topic: Increase the administration of influenza vaccination in the older adult population (age 65 and older). Audience: There are essentially two audiences for this project. First, I will be teaching and presenting to Mercy Home Care nurses on the importance of older adults, age 65 and older receiving the influenza vaccine. In addition, I will educate them on the importance of identifying if Mercy Home Care patients have received the vaccine, explaining the education they should be providing to patients who have not yet received the vaccine and vaccinating patients and their spouses who agree to receive the influenza vaccine in their home. The second audience is older adults in the community (age 65 and older). The educational material I provide to the Mercy Home Care Nurses will then need to be taught to this population in an effort to increase awareness of the need for vaccination and help this population understand the risks for and against vaccination. Providing this education will in turn help increase the administration of influenza vaccination to home care patients. Need to Learn the Topic: To increase the number of individuals, age 65 and older who receive the influenza vaccine each year. Short-term goals: 1. All clients who have not yet...
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...Influenza is an important public health problem. Annual influenza-related deaths range of 3,000 ~ 49,000 according to recent estimates, and over 200,000 people are hospitalized seasonal influenza every year of respiratory diseases and heart conditions associated with infection. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza infections in hospitalized or possible death. Advisory Committee (ACIP) on immunization practices recommends that everyone receive Annual influenza vaccination 6 months of age. In addition, all health care personnel (HCP) of the US Department of Health and Human Services Immunization (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health care and other specific recommendations focus on the public health agencies and professional organizations....
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...Epidemiology by definition is the study of the distribution and patterns of health-events, health- characteristics and their causes or influences in well-defined populations. It is the cornerstone method of public health research, and helps inform policy decisions and evidence-based by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive medicine. Epidemiologists are involved in the design of studies, collection and statistical analysis of data, and interpretation and dissemination of results (including peer review and occasional systematic review).Major areas of epidemiological study include outbreak investigation, disease surveillance and biomonitoring, and comparisons of treatment effects such as in clinical trials. Epidemiologists rely on a number of other scientific disciplines such as biology (to better understand disease processes), biostatistics (to make efficient use of the data and draw appropriate conclusions), and exposure assessment and social science disciplines (to better understand proximate and distal risk factors, and their measurement). I would like to discuss elderly patients as my vulnerable population. There is no set age at which a person maybe under the care of a geriatric physician. The physician aims to promote health by preventing disease and disabilities in geriatric adults. A gerontologist specializes in the aging process. Adult medicine differs from the geriatric patient because the focus is on the elderly...
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...Epidemiology Paper Name: Course: Date: Epidemiology Paper Influenza or simply flu is one of the most devastating communicable diseases. This is because it is transmitted through the air we breathe. This simply means that being in the company of a mammal or bird that is infected is more than good enough reason for one to get infected (Naff, 2011). Influenza is caused by an influenza virus which can be of one of three types. Type A and B results to a high degree of infections. These two types are responsible for severe respiratory infections and in some cases death. Influenza virus type C on the other hand does not lead to severe respiratory infection and only causes minimal respiratory infections with little or no symptoms at all. The influenza virus is capable of modifying itself once in the body of the host. This occurs through mutation whereby vaccinations and treatment develop antibodies that go against the virus. Naff (2011) explains that this causes the virus to adjust for its survival and as a result develop into a new form that the antibodies do not see as harmful. The virus therefore has the capability of infecting a host at any time. However, it is possible for initial antibodies to recognize the mutated virus as a harmful component thereby limiting the degree of infection. In the epidemic involving the H1N1 virus in 2009, very few individuals had antibodies that could fight the virus. The flu has a number of symptoms which...
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...• ^ International Committee on onomy of Viruses. "The Universal Virus Database, version 4: Influenza A". http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ICTVdb/ICTVdB/00.046.0.01.htm. [dead link] 1. ^ a b c d e f "Swine influenza". The Merck Veterinary Manual. 2008. ISBN 1442167424. http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/121407.htm. Retrieved April 30, 2009. 2. ^ [1][dead link] 3. ^ Heinen PP (15 September 2003). "Swine influenza: a zoonosis". Veterinary Sciences Tomorrow. ISSN 1569-0830. http://www.vetscite.org/publish/articles/000041/print.html. "Influenza B and C viruses are almost exclusively isolated from man, although influenza C virus has also been isolated from pigs and influenza B has recently been isolated from seals." 4. ^ Bouvier NM, Palese P (September 2008). "THE BIOLOGY OF INFLUENZA VIRUSES". Vaccine 26 Suppl 4 (Suppl 4): D49–53. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.07.039. PMC 3074182. PMID 19230160. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=3074182. 5. ^ Kimura H, Abiko C, Peng G et al. (April 1997). "Interspecies transmission of influenza C virus between humans and pigs". Virus Research 48 (1): 71–9. doi:10.1016/S0168-1702(96)01427-X. PMID 9140195. 6. ^ a b Matsuzaki Y, Sugawara K, Mizuta K et al. (February 2002). "Antigenic and Genetic Characterization of Influenza C Viruses Which Caused Two Outbreaks in Yamagata City, Japan, in 1996 and 1998". Journal of Clinical Microbiology 40 (2): 422–9. doi:10.1128/JCM.40.2.422-429...
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...Influenza or the flu affects an estimated 5-15% of the world’s population and results in 500,000 deaths annually. (World Health Organization, 2009). In the United States, between 1979 and 2001, averages of 226,000 persons were hospitalized and 36,000 died each year as a result of complications from influenza. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2007[CDC]). The primary method for preventing influenza is the flu vaccine, which is available in a variety of settings including clinics, hospitals, pharmacies and schools. The vaccine is typically distributed in October and November in anticipation of the winter flu season, which usually begins in late November and peaks in February. Influenza has been a common seasonal irritant for many years; it is a respiratory infection caused by a variety of viruses. Its symptoms are consistent with those of a cold, congestion, fever, chills, aches and pains. The virus can pass through the air and enter the body through the nose or mouth; it is spread very easily and very contagious. Everyone needs to be aware of the dangers of the influenza virus and the benefits of the influenza vaccine. The vaccine is a primary level of intervention to prevent a person from becoming ill with the influenza virus. Once vaccinated against the influenza antibodies are produced and hopefully the person who was vaccinated will not become infected. Cross-transmission of influenza infection from healthcare personnel (HCP) to patients has been described in...
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...report on how to prevent and treat such diseases and recommended vaccinations. All committee members are M.D’s with one D.O. This peer reviewed journal is from the American Academy of Pediatrics. This journal is about influenza virus. Focal points on this topic will be age ranges that are at risk, treatments plans, national or global perspective, and scientific evidence to support claims (if any). Influenza is a contagious viral infection. Influenza can inflame the respiratory system. The virus attacks the cells of the respiratory tract and begins to multiply to spread infection throughout the body. Symptoms of influenza are vomiting, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, sore throat, fatigue, fever, chills, body aches, and decrease in urination. Influenza can be dated back to as late as 1918 and has caused many deaths over the years. Influenza is an air born virus which means anyone can catch it just by simply breathing it in. Influenza can be transferred by coughing, sneezing, or direct contact. Incubation time for influenza is 1 to 7 days. The infection can last for a few days for a healthy person. Most cases of influenza are not serious. Most people recuperate after a few days of rest for a healthy person. But an unhealthy person, influenza can be quite serious and deadly. Prevention for influenza is by making sure one gets their vaccinations. The vaccination allows small amounts of non-active influenza in your body. This is so that the body can build up antibodies...
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...Influenza Disease Linnette Corona Grand Canyon University (NRS-427V) 06/14/2014 Influenza Disease Influenza is an infectious viral disease also commonly known as ‘flu’ that is caused by diverse strains of influenza viruses. The virus belongs to ‘Orthomyxoviridae’ which is a distinct group of virus family. This virus comprises of a single stranded, segmented RNA (Jeffery et. al, 2008). Influenza (flu) virus primarily attacks the respiratory system and is highly transmissible. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC (2014) “the virus may infect the nose, throat and lungs.” The disease can cause mild to severe illness often resulting in hospitalization or death. The viral strains of influenza viruses are constantly changing and appear regularly that are responsible for many pandemics around the world (Taubenberger & Morens 2008). Clinical Course Influenza is a contagious disease; the virus is easily transmitted from person to person via respiratory droplets when infected people cough, talk or sneeze. Another way to get infected with influenza is if the person touches its own mouth or nose after having direct contact with a surface that has the influenza virus (CDC, 2014). The influenza virus may be transmitted one day before the first symptoms start and even up to seven days after getting ill with the flu. In seasonal epidemics, influenza tends to spread rapidly. As reported by the CDC (2014), the infection may seem like...
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...“Childhood vaccination has proven to be one of the most effective public health strategies to control and prevent disease” (Ventola, 2016). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) publishes yearly recommendations and guidelines for childhood immunizations. While these guidelines are available, parents may choose to decline, delay vaccinating, or find an alternative to the immunizations due various reasons. These reasons can be medical, religious, or socioeconomic. Research supports that, “the incidence, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of many communicable diseases have significantly decreased in Western countries largely because of national immunization strategies aimed...
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...Running Head: Applying Concepts of epidemiology and Nursing Research Applying Concepts of epidemiology and Nursing Research to Influenza Grand Canyon University NRS-427V Concepts in Community and Public Health This topic of this paper will be about Influenza, it is a highly contagious illness in the respiratory tract that is caused by a virus that currently occurs throughout the world and it usually peaks in December through March. The ‘Flu’ is usually spread by infected people, coughing and sneezing without covering their mouth and nose. It is spread by common, frequent contact, touching another person, for example, just shaking someone’s hand can also transmit the virus. The contagious period for the virus is thought to be twenty four hours before manifestations of symptoms appear and up to seven days thereafter. This information indicates that a person, potentially, could be contagious before they even know that they are sick. (Medical News Today, 2014) Symptoms of the Flu are numerous, fevers, cold sweats, shakes, cough, rhinorrhea, aching body, joint pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms can last roughly for a week, while the effect of exhaustion can last for several weeks until the person can make a full recovery. Those considered high risk for contracting the flu, are those that are immunosuppressed by a chronic disease, medications or treatments, the elderly, infants, the very young, pregnant women, health care professionals and people who...
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...contact with young babies. The same is true for the flu vaccine. There’s no flu vaccine licensed for infants younger than 6 months old. “We call that creating a cocoon of protection around the baby.”. 3. Some vaccines are just for adults. The shingles vaccine is a good example. Shingles (also known as herpes zoster or zoster) is caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It can cause a severe and painful skin rash. The risk for shingles increases as a person ages. The vaccine is recommended for adults 60 and older. 4. You may need them when you travel. Headed to the developing world? You may run into illnesses you’d never find at home. The yellow fever vaccination is required for travel to parts of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. The Saudi Arabian government also requires the meningococcal vaccination -- but only for travel during the hajj, or annual pilgrimage to Mecca. You can check the CDC's web site for details about what you may need for your destination. 5. Everyone needs a flu vaccine, every year. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine annually if they do not have a medical reason not to receive the vaccine. Each...
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...means new, unique, different, unusual and different. All of these meanings fit for the use of the word novel in this case (2009 H1N1 Flu, 1). The novel influenza virus that circulated in the U.S. and other parts of the world is a unique combination of swine and human influenza viruses. This virus is transmitted from person to person, not from pigs to humans (CDC website). The novel influenza A H1N1 spreads just like the seasonal flu. Flu viruses spread from a person sneezing or coughing who has contracted the virus. It is also possible to become affected by touching something that has the flu virus on it (Such as a door knob, toilet handle) and then touching your mouth or nose. People who have contracted a flu virus have the potential to be contagious as long as they have symptoms and possibly up to seven days after they have become ill. Children, especially young children can be contagious for longer than seven days (H1N1 Fact Sheet, 1). Some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing or using an alcohol based hand gel will help you reduce the chances of becoming ill after touching these surfaces (H1N1 Fact Sheet, 2). Symptoms According to a WIC clinic informational sheet developed by the Iowa Department of Public Health, the symptoms of novel influenza A H1N1 or just H1N1 for short are very similar to the symptoms of the regular seasonal flu. These symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny...
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...Influenza Epidemic Valerie Capobianco, RN Grand Canyon University Concepts in Community and Public Health NRS-427V Mary Nicks MSN, RN August 14, 2014 Influenza Epidemic Studying the distribution and determinants of health-related events, including disease, and the relevance of the study to control the disease along with other health problems is known as epidemiology. (World Health Organization, 2014) This author would like to discuss one of those diseases, that being influenza. Influenza viruses do not discriminate and affect individuals worldwide. This paper will include how the determinants of health contributes to the development of influenza, elements of epidemiologic triangle relate to the transmission of influenza, the role of community health nurses in controlling and preventing the influenza pandemic, and the role played by World Health Organization (WHO) in the global prevention and control of the disease. The influenza virus, more commonly known as the flu, is a contagious mild to severe respiratory illness infecting the nose, throat, and lungs. There are many different types or strains of influenza such as Swine H3N2, Avian H5N1, influenza A H1N1. Just the slightest mutation on the virus’s surface protein can quickly change a strain. This fast acting mutation is one of the reasons influenza viruses infect high numbers of people worldwide, leading to morbidity and mortality burden in communities. (WHO, 2011, pg. 22) When an individual is infected...
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