Over the past few weeks, experts have begun to search for ways to overcome the weaknesses in the response to the outbreak of h1n1. These weaknesses include poor communication, coping with new strains of the flu, understanding the symptoms, and proper treatment. The CDC has discovered that rapid tests used by hospitals to determine if a patient has the h1n1 are proving to fail over half the time in detecting h1n1. They have since begun to research rapid tests with higher sensitivity. There have also been inadequacies with the protocols and equipment used to protect healthcare workers from acquiring the virus while on the job. With an outbreak underway, what are you doing to protect you, your family, and your department?
H1N1 Prep
- Thread starter reneew10
- Start date
Rapid tests are not designed with a high sensitivity which is why women are still advised to see a physician to check for pregnancy.
The rapid tests also will only determine if it is influenza A or B and in certain patients due to the pre-existing conditions, the test may not always be accurate which is why there are precautions in place for the symptoms. The specimens will also be sent to a CDC lab for determination of the strain with a more sensitive test. These tests are more expensive and the CDC has the budget in place just for these situations.
It was decided that since the potential potency of this strain of influenza A was of revalence, a higher isolation status was to be taken. The protocols in place were adequate but extra precautionary measures were seen to be appropriate. Thus, instead of using a surgical mask which is normally adequate for the flu or droplet precautions, the N95 mask is not recommended for airborne precautions.
I'm using a mask and gloves on myself and a mask on the patient for any suspected swine flu cases... just like I do for everyone else with similar symptoms.
I'm also wearing a mask on all calls for the time being. While I'm not at all symptomatic and think I already had it this summer, my SO appears to have it. I'm already careful about not bringing germs from home to work and vice versa, so nothing's changed there.
I'm also wearing a mask on all calls for the time being. While I'm not at all symptomatic and think I already had it this summer, my SO appears to have it. I'm already careful about not bringing germs from home to work and vice versa, so nothing's changed there.
CollegeBoy
Forum Lieutenant
- 243
- 0
- 0
So hard not to explode into a fit of ramble, lol.
Coping with new strains of the flu. HA! Isn't that what happens with every flu season. The flu is disposed to genetic mutations so what do you expect.
Now if you truely want to overcome all weaknsses in the response to H1N1 you must unleash a massive vaccination program which I am totally against, and i cite the 1976 flu hype. One person died and 13 were hospitalized with a form of swine flu. Government went overboard on vaccination hype (24% of US population was eventually vaccinated before the program was scrapped). Nobody else died or was even hospitalized from that flu. However 25 people died from complications from the vaccine and about 500 developed GBS.
Not to mention a massive vaccination would not be effective against even the common strands because the flu mutates so quickly.
JonTullos
Forum Captain
- 341
- 0
- 0
What can EMS do to "prepare" anyway? We make sure we have plenty of PPE and all that available. The hospital (I work at a hospital-based EMS) offered seasonal flu vaccines free of charge to employees and plans to do the same with H1N1.
Otherwise, I'm not totally sure what you're looking for... ??
Otherwise, I'm not totally sure what you're looking for... ??
Last edited by a moderator:
Tincanfireman
Airfield Operations
- 1,054
- 1
- 0
Being a bit more diligent and more thorough about my handwashing, and anyone who is complaining of cold/flu symptoms gets a mask as soon as I walk into the room. I've already been through the Tamiflu experience once this year due to an exposure, and once is enough of that hassle.
Good hand washing I am becoming a handwashing freak. I work in a NH so if it gets a good start in there its likely to go through all the residents and the staff. We have limited visitors and have masks gowns and gloves at our disposal for any one we feel has the s/s of the flu of any kind.
healthcare entities such as DOH and federal organizations assured their stockpiles of tamiflu and ventilators were up.
However at the provider level, I think people are just acting as they always should be (standard precaustions) by properly washing hands, wearing a mask when pt is feverish and coughing etc...
However at the provider level, I think people are just acting as they always should be (standard precaustions) by properly washing hands, wearing a mask when pt is feverish and coughing etc...
Are all individuals with flu symptoms treated as if they have Swine Flu? One of my coworkers was ill last week and without any testing the doctor diagnosed her with swine flu and gave her meds. Is that safe?
From what I have last heard 80-90% of all people with the flu have H1N1 (anyone know different?), and some places are now not swabbing at all, or are just swabbing for flu.
If the symptoms clear up and there are no complications, it is safe. I assume she is only on tylenol and/or tamiflu. Which are fine and pretty safe if taken as prescribed. If it is another virus, she will get over it at some point.
If the symptoms continue, go back to the doctor.
Meursault
Organic Mechanic
- 759
- 35
- 28
My advice as a healthcare professional is to ask your primary care physician, or, if you can't:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/h1n1fluswineflu.html
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/index.html
My advice as a denizen of the Internet is that if you're going to post questions, don't post them on a forum that's tangentially related to the topic (an uncomplicated viral upper respiratory infection is generally not a medical emergency) and is explicitly for members of a group that does not include you.
Also, dig a shelter in your basement, stock up on food and water, and shoot anyone who looks even slightly infected. You can't be too safe. Burn the bodies. Don't listen to the government; they lie and they're covering up for Big Pharma. Wear a mask at all times outside the shelter.
Medical information on the Internet, unless it comes from a verified source like the CDC, is unreliable. Don't solicit it.