First Reports of Swine Flu at Nursing Homes Surface

by Administrator 4. May 2009 04:15
By McKnight's Long-Term Care Care News - A council of long-term care professionals has issued guidelines for dealing with suspected or actual outbreaks of H1N1, or swine flu. The recommendations came out late last week, just hours before the first suspected cases of the flu at nursing facilities began to surface.

Reports circulated Friday about three NY nursing home residents suspected of having contracted H1N1. In addition, a nursing aide was believed to have contracted the sickness after visiting Mexico and returning to work before symptoms surfaced.

The Long-Term Care Professional Leadership Council urged pro-active planning and interventions in its guidelines. “By taking steps to prepare, facility leadership can exhibit confidence and calm. This preparation is important regardless of the outcome of the present S-OIV [swine-origin influenza A virus] outbreak since an influenza pandemic can happen at any time,” the LTCPLC noted.

Among the recommendations: All facility staff should be trained to recognize flu symptoms before they hit, and any person who develops flu-type symptoms should be considered a possible cause, until proven otherwise. Coordination with pharmacies and local health officials also is emphasized. Members of the LTCPLC include the American College of Health Care Administrators; the American Medical Directors Association; the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists; and the National Association Directors of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care (NADONA).

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Aging Successfully | Gerontology / Geriatrics | Health & Medical

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About the Author

John Rothbarth is the owner of the St. Louis Times, a media company focused on serving the informational needs of the St. Louis metro-area aging baby boomer/60+ population. The company publishes the St. Louis Times Resource Guide, St. Louis Times Express, and hosts St. Louis Times Funfest and St. Louis Times Geriatrics Symposium events. The company was founded in 1994 and has remained true to its original mission of 'doing some good for older adults and the professionals who work on their behalf.'

Since 1994 the company has won over 20 National Media Awards. He has participated on many local Boards of Directors, all of whom cater to the needs of our area’s aging population. For 2009 he is also President of Breakthrough Coalition, a consortium of over 250 aging-focused organizations and  professionals dedicated to serving the needs of older adults in the St. Louis / Illinois bi-state area.

John is a native St. Louisan, father of two sons, and graduate of the University of Missouri - Columbia with a BS degree in Business Administration. His interests include reading mysteries, jogging, motorcycling, and aviation - he is a pilot with instrument, multi-engine and seaplane ratings.

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