...Immunization is a very controversial topic including the issue of mandatory flu vaccination for front-line health care workers. Health care workers are the front-line workers to whom patients are first exposed to during the initial encounter to medical system. Influenza is commonly referred to as the seasonal flu which strikes 5% to 15% of the world’s population with approximately 3 to 5 million severe cases of illness which leads to 250000 to 500000 deaths annually (World Health Organization [WHO], 2014). In addition, hospital acquired influenza has a 16% mortality rate which increases to 60% in high-risk population groups (Cortes-Penfield, 2014). Specifically in Canada, the average rate of influenza infection is 10% to 20% of the population...
Words: 2448 - Pages: 10
...Vulnerable Population – Part II Uninsured and Underinsured children in America are one many vulnerable groups that impact the financial aspect of health care. This paper will discuss the financial impact and delivery of the United States health care system. It will also discuss the different types of funding that are available to uninsured and underinsured children. Last, the paper will discuss issues and challenges of this vulnerable group along with some solutions that government has come up with. Uninsured/Underinsured Children in the United States Health care is financed by different means. There are public and private financing. Public financing options are through the government and states and consist of Medicare, Medicaid, and Children Health Insurance program. Private financing options consist of group insurance, self-insurance, and Managed Care Plans. Uninsured and underinsured children can get the help they need from many public financing groups whereas the private options tend to turn them down. Financial Impact Uninsured and underinsured children have a major financial impact on the economy. “The health costs of the uninsured have become an economic burden of the business community through property taxes, higher health insurance premiums, and lost productivity of workers with sick family members” (Edelman, 2009, para. 5). In other words someone has to pay for the health care of the uninsured and underinsured children in the United States. When parents...
Words: 1208 - Pages: 5
...Georgia Professional Nursing Concepts (Nurs 4102) Professor J. Wilder, MSN, NP-C April 7, 2015 Part 4 – Immunity and Health Policy Vaccination has been known to provide immunity to a variety of illnesses, including influenza. To minimize influenza-related deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that vulnerable people and health care workers (HCW) be vaccinated against influenza annually (van den Dool, Bont, Hak, Heijne & Wallinga, 2008). A topic of debate between HCWs and healthcare facilities is the discussion over whether annual influenza shots should be mandatory. Multiple studies have been completed to determine if the benefits are substantial enough...
Words: 731 - Pages: 3
...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...
Words: 1772 - Pages: 8
...Epidemiology Paper Monica Okoro Nur/408 Epidemiology: Global and Public Health September 10, 2012 Diane Campbell, DNP - PHN, FNP - BC Epidemiology Paper Public health nursing allows nurses to encounter various vulnerable populations on a daily basis. In particular, the elderly make up a large portion of the population, and their vulnerability to the environment and other physical factors is a very important aspect of public health nursing. Epidemiology allows the public health nurse to study and assess vulnerable populations, including the elderly, and create interventions that maximize the health potential of all members of the public. This paper will explore the role of epidemiology and also discuss the definition and purpose of epidemiology, epidemiological methods, the epidemiological triangle and levels of prevention that is related with influenza in the elderly community. Definition and Description of Epidemiology Originally, epidemiology was a term that was used to describe the spread of infectious disease. Over the course of time, that definition has expanded considerably in order to accommodate the complexity of ever-changing populations, their environments, and increasing occurrences of disease. Epidemiology is a branch of public health that studies of the frequency, distribution, and determinants of disease in human populations. It studies the patterns of diseases in human populations and how to control health problems associated with disease...
Words: 2100 - Pages: 9
...Abstract The purpose of this research is to find out if science supports the influenza vaccination. Research studies have been done since the development of the flu vaccine in 1945 and documented as the first vaccinations were given to the soldiers in WWII. Many kinds of influenza vaccination studies have been done by medical research teams including the Center for Disease Control. The Efficacy and effectiveness of influenza vaccines: a systematic review and meta analysis was researched by Michael Osterholm and his associates by reviewing over 5000 studies of the influenza vaccine. Many articles since then have commented on this meta-analysis and have gone further to expand the question of does the flu vaccine decrease pneumonia in the elderly. Results are such that the confounding conditions of the study needed to be adjusted fully and the studies re-evaluated. Another question arises. Does mandatory vaccination of healthcare workers decrease the spread of the flu virus within the hospital. Evidence for consistent high-level protection is elusive for the present generation of vaccines, especially in those at risk of medical complications and those aged 65 years or older. Does Science Support the Flu Shot? Since the discovery of the influenza virus and the subsequent development of the flu vaccine, has there been enough science research to support the effectiveness and efficacy of the flu vaccine? Influenza also known as the flu is a viral infection...
Words: 3688 - Pages: 15
...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 patient. The decline in physiological reserve in organs makes the elderly develop some kinds of diseases and have more complications from mild problems such as dehydration from the stomach flu, or confusion related to the dehydration. In many cases the confusion can lead to a fall which the elderly patient could end up with a fractured hip or femur. This would many times need surgical...
Words: 5272 - Pages: 22
...Application of Community Health & Population-Focused Nursing Western Governors University Measles 1. Describe the Chosen Outbreak Measles is virus with a single-stranded RNA and two membranes: a fusion protein that infuses into the host cell membrane and the hemagglutinin protein that absorbs the virus into the cells. The primary site for invasion is in the epithelium of the nares. Measles is highly contagious and very infectious because it is easily transmitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours and infect many people who inhale the infectious agent or touch a surface, then be introduced to a new host through touch to the eyes or nose. Once the measles virus (agent) enters a person, he is now a host and harbor the virus. The virus enters its incubation period that can last 10 to 12 days before any symptoms of sickness usually a fever of 103-105 degrees. This incubation period is a communicable stage because the virus can be spread to another before the original victim is even aware of being infected. A few days later the virus (infection) invades the lymph nodes, multiplies, and enters the blood stream. Five to seven days later, the virus is in the respiratory system and the pathological reaction to the infection is now a disease: a cough, runny nose, possible eye infection, followed by spots. These spots are in the mucous membranes and is the first...
Words: 2844 - Pages: 12
...The nurse author will discuss the causes, symptoms, and mode of transmission, complications, and treatment, as well as mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence of the disease. The determinants of health will be described, and the factors that add to the progression of the disease. The epidemiologic triangle, as it relates to Varicella, will be examined, including host factors, absence or presence of agent factors, along with environmental influences. The role of the community health nurse will be discussed as related to case finding, data collecting, reporting, data analysis, and follow-up. Lastly, a national agency or organization will be revealed that addresses chicken pox, and how it contributes to resolving or reducing the impact of the disease on the public. The infectious disease of varicella, or chicken pox, is very contagious. A virus named varicella-zoster causes it. Furthermore, chickenpox can also be spread from those who have shingles. Since the same virus causes shingles, caution should be taken since an individual with shingles can infect those who have never had chickenpox, or those who have not been vaccinated against the disease. People most at risk to contract the disease are those who have not had the disease before, or received chicken pox vaccine. People who contract the virus can expect it to last anywhere from five to ten days. The most common indication of the infectious disease is a rash the turns in to an outbreak of fluid-filled blisters...
Words: 1449 - Pages: 6
...determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the development of this disease, and also will see the roles and responsibilities of the community health nurse. In the end the paper discusses the associations, organizations, and national agency that addresses the chicken pox and contributes to resolving or reducing the impact of chickenpox disease. Chickenpox It is studied that 95 % of Americans get chickenpox by adulthood. Chickenpox is highly contagious. According to CDC 4 million people are infected by chickenpox every year. About 120,624 people in the USA were infected in 1995; it decreased to a tremendous 46,016 cases in 1999 in USA [Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 1999] Earlier before the chickenpox vaccine was discovered,each year about 11,000 people needed hospitalization for chickenpox in the U.S, and about 100 to 150 people died each year of chickenpox. With the vaccine, cases of chickenpox have dropped by about 90%. Cause Chickenpox is a transmittable illness induced by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Babies, adults and individual with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to Chickenpox. Mode of transmission It disseminates easily from an infected individual who sneezes, coughs, or shares food or drinks and also if you come in contact with the fluid from a chickenpox blister. Symptoms The standard symptom of chickenpox is an itchy rash, red spots or blisters (pox) that turn into scabs (usually...
Words: 2175 - Pages: 9
...Bacterial Meningitis 1 Running head: THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROBLEM OF BACTERAIL MENINGITIS The Epidemiological Problem of Bacterial Meningitis: Risk Factors, Interrelatedness, Impact and Prevention Mandy Stocks University of South Carolina Spartanburg Bacterial Meningitis 2 The Epidemiological Problem of Bacterial Meningitis: Risk Factors, Interrelatedness, Impact and Prevention Bacterial meningitis is an inflammatory condition of the meninges or membranes that form the lining of the brain and spinal cord. The most common pathogens responsible for bacterial meningitis include: Neisseria memingitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Listeria monocytogenes. The disease in all ages continues to be a serious cause of morbidity and mortality, despite the introduction of effective antibiotics and preventative therapy. Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease that can result in brain damage and even death. The following will describe the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis and the effects it has on the individual, family and community, and the role of the community health nurse. Epidemiological Problem Description of problem Bacterial meningitis is a common infectious disease that has been diagnosed throughout the world. In general, it affects the very young and the very old and favors males over females. “According to the Centers for Disease Control...
Words: 2712 - Pages: 11
...Prevention/Screenings for a Vulnerable Population Planning Before Teaching: Name and Credentials of Teacher:Amanda Duggan, RN | Estimated Time Teaching Will Last:30 minutes | Location of Teaching:Villa Valencia Five Star Senior Living24552 Paseo de ValeciaLaguna Hills, CA 92653Phone: 949-581-6111 | Supplies, Material, Equipment Needed:Paper, printer, colored ink, cookies | Estimated Cost:$10.00 for pamphlet copies and cookies | Community and Target Aggregate:65 years and older | Topic: Pneumococcal Vaccination | Epidemiological Rationale for Topic (statistics related to topic): Pneumonia is a lung infection that can infect the upper respiratory tract and can spread to the blood, lungs, middle ear or nervous system. A person can get pneumonia in normal daily life or commonly in hospitals and nursing homes. The elderly are especially at risk of becoming seriously ill and dying from this disease because they tend to live in close communities where sick people are in close proximity. Pneumococcal Vaccination can help protect these individuals and prevent pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis. * “Between 5 and 10 million people get pneumonia in the United States each year, and more than 1 million people are hospitalized due to the condition. As a result, pneumonia is the third most frequent cause of hospitalizations,” The New York Times (2015). * “For patients who need hospitalization for pneumonia, the death rate is 10 - 25%. If pneumonia develops in patients already hospitalized...
Words: 2214 - Pages: 9
...Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Texas (Census Bureau, 2012). The region accounts for only 37% of the United States population, however in 2009, 46% of all new AIDS cases were in the south (Reif, Whetten, & Wilson, 2012). Furthermore, in 2008 43% of people living with HIV were from the southern region (Reif et al, 2012). The south also has the highest rate of HIV related deaths and the highest level of HIV morbidity (Reif et al, 2012). To fully understand impact of these numbers one must understand what HIV and AIDS are, the modes of HIV transmission, possible treatments, the methods available to control the spread of HIV, the factors that make this population vulnerable to the condition, what role social and cultural influences play in the disease, how these factors impact treatment, and what health and wellness strategies are available for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that weakens the human immune system by destroying T-cells and using them to replicate the virus. Without T-cells the human body cannot defend itself against infection and disease. Once enough T-cells have been destroyed the body develops Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)....
Words: 1688 - Pages: 7
...Influenza in the Elderly Julia Ford, Debbie Garris, Lisa Harper, and Monica Jackson December 20, 2011 Mamie Williams Influenza in the Elderly The Influenza Pandemic of 1918 was responsible for the deaths of more than 50 million people worldwide and is known as a national disaster (CDC, 2011). Even with historical facts about influenza and how easily it is spread, some still refuse to receive the vaccination. Myths and misconceptions about the flu vaccine is the main reason that people refuse to take the flu vaccination. Some of the myths surrounding why people will not take the influenza vaccine include the flu shot can cause the flu, healthy people do not require the influenza vaccine, and the vaccination is a government experiment. Another myth is that working around sick people causes flu immunity. The elderly is one of many populations vulnerable to influenza. Epidemiology as it relates to influenza in the elderly is the topic of discussion for this paper. This paper will make use of the Epidemiological Triangle to explain the disease process of influenza, prevention of the disease, and evaluation of prevention. Definition and Description of Epidemiology Stanhope and Lancanster defines epidemiology as “the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to control of health problems” (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008, p...
Words: 2784 - Pages: 12
...regarding the impact of small business and nonprofit health care organizations. Using various research references, the objective of this paper is to inform the economic drawback of the legislation of Affordable Care Act. Keywords: legislation, implementation, corporatized, health care, Affordable care Act, mandate provisions Health Care: Cost, Access, Quality Understandably in the post-modernism era of the United States, the idea of health care reform has centralized on the increasingly high number of the vulnerable or special population of uninsured citizens and the rising cost of health care in the United States. Outside the attentive public of American citizens and health care analysis who are informed about the growing cost of health care in the United States, there is the majority public whom have no clear understanding of the public dilemma surrounding health care reform. This can be noted about the rapidly growing statistical data of evidence surrounding the cost of health care, which is not in the mainstream public. More so, the incurring problems and cost in the quality and efficiency of health care provided by numerous health care providers lack the national support of the majority to actually make a difference in health care reform. While the U.S. health care system is widely recognized as having some of the best clinical care hospitals, physicians, and health care providers in the world, the system is not cost efficient, nor does it have the same impact or management...
Words: 1316 - Pages: 6
