Infection Prevention - Flu, COVID-19, Viruses, and Other Health Issues

Infection Information

National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (March 2015)
Developed in response to Executive Order 13676: Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria—issued by President Barack Obama on September 18, 2014—the National Action Plan outlines steps for implementing the National Strategy for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and addressing the policy recommendations of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). Although its primary purpose is to guide activities by the U.S. Government, the National Action Plan is also designed to guide action by public health, healthcare, and veterinary partners in a common effort to address urgent and serious drug-resistant threats that affect people in the U.S. and around the world.

Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes Webinar (February 2014) 
This webinar was held on February 25, 2014. Topics covered include: understanding how infections can be spread and how the Ombudsman can be a part of the solution (hand washing; etc.); addressing issues with residents who are in isolation due to an infection; encouraging the nursing home to use this tool if infections are an issue; etc. Access the Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes Webinar and the handouts from the webinar Toolkit and PowerPoint.

Flu Information

The flu season usually starts in October and lasts around six months according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, the best prevention to getting the fly is to get a vaccination.

For older adults, the seasonal flu can be very serious. According to flu.gov, each year in the U.S., deaths from flu-related causes range from 3,300 to 48,600 (average of 23,600) and more than 200,000 are hospitalized from serious flu complications. Ninety percent of flu-related deaths and more than half of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people age 65 and older.

Get information on the 2018-2019 flu season online

Read the CDC guidance on influenza outbreak management in long-term care facilities
The CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) state that certain people should get vaccinated each year. Individuals at high risk of having serious flu complications or that they live with or care for people at high risk for serious complications are encouraged to receive the vaccination. It is recommended that individuals working in health facilities, including nursing homes, and people who live in long-term care facilities get vaccinated.

Prevention Methods

Get the Flu Shot
Getting vaccinated means not only protecting yourself but not spreading the flu to others. CDC recommends getting the vaccine as soon as it becomes available as it can take the body about two weeks to build up immunity.

Everyday Preventive Actions

•  Avoid people who are sick with the flu
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing
• Wash your hands often
• Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth
• Practice good health habits, such as eating properly, getting enough sleep and exercise
• Get plenty of sleep, stay physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food

Know the Symptoms 

Seek Medical Advice: Flu Symptoms Develop Quickly
In some cases, a medical evaluation or treatment with antiviral drugs is necessary. It is important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat flu in people.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Flu Symptoms

• fever (often high)
• headache
• extreme tiredness
• dry cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle aches
• stomach symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, may be present

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunization Rates among Medicare Beneficiaries (April 2012)
This report released by AARP found that immunization rates among older African Americans and Hispanics are lower than those for Whites.

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