Prevention of Health Care Related Influenza


Strategies for the prevention and control of influenza in the health-care setting include the following:

  • Promote Influenza immunization for persons at high risk for complications
  • Promote Influenza immunization for health-care personnel
  • Appropriate use of antiviral medications
  • Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette programs
  • Standard Precautions and Droplet Precautions
  • Restriction of contagious visitors and health care personnel.

Transmission of Influenza A involves three factors:

(1) viable virus,

(2) transfer of the virus

(3) a susceptible host.

Little can be done about the presence of the a viable virus in our local communities. All 50 states reported some level of influenza activity during the January 2019. Factors (2) transfer and (3) susceptibility of the host, can be modified to reduce the severity of community outbreaks. Personal behavioral changes including: hand washing, staying home when contagious, cough etiquette/respiratory hygiene and strict adherence to "Standard and Droplet Precautions" will likely reduce local incidence.

The primary focus of prevention strategies involves modifying host susceptibility. Inducing immunity by vaccination may be the most effective strategy. Another method is the disruption of viral RNA replication through the use of antiviral medication.

The CDC has provided sound science and guidelines for the prevention of health care related outbreaks of the flu. Health care provider are responsibility to incorporate this science into our practice and to educate our patients regarding their role in the prevention of flu transmission.

Education, vaccination and personal behavioral changes are key to the prevention and control of health care related influenza.


©RnCeus.com