Planning for hospital pandemic influenza

Since 1997, when it was reported that the first case of bird flu, or bird flu, had been passed on to humans, health professionals began to analyze what kind of hospital plans against pandemic flu should be implemented to better serve their communities.

Hospital administrators in countries around the world have increasingly collected the critical knowledge and information necessary to prepare an effective pandemic hospital influenza preparedness plan that addresses both patient care and employee health needs .

Hospitals are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees and for the patients in their care during a pandemic event. As part of preparedness activities, public health agencies and hospitals participate more frequently in coordinating and conducting exercises and drills focused on a possible influenza pandemic.

During a flu pandemic event, hospitals will be responsible for providing most of the essential services that pandemic flu would require. Hospital administration should also be aware that they will have a dual responsibility to care for large numbers of critically ill patients and to protect the health of hospital staff, during a period when resources and staff are expected to be depleted, which makes pandemic flu hospital policies even more critical to be well thought out and prepared.

As the global health community awaits what appears to be an inevitable flu pandemic, some are concerned that the chronic shortage of healthcare workers in US hospitals. USA Addressing what to expect during a flu pandemic related to community and patient needs, employee absences, and disrupted supply and delivery schedules, as well as effective ways to manage these challenges during a flu pandemic flu.

Vaccine manufacturers and researchers are doing the groundwork that is necessary to develop a bird flu vaccine, but a real pandemic vaccine cannot be made until the virus has emerged.

Due to concerns about the vaccine available and the possibility that health care services will be spread very thinly in a pandemic influenza outbreak, individuals and families should also consider personal preparations for the pandemic. Sian Griffiths, director of the Hong Kong School of Public Health at Chinese University, believes that the most effective method of stopping the spread of an avian flu pandemic is really quite simple: good hygiene. Careful hand washing and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth can significantly reduce the possible spread of influenza of any kind. Also, avoid close contact with those who are already sick or showing symptoms. Covering your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when you cough or sneeze will also help limit the spread. Wash your hands often.

While there is no immediate threat that the avian flu virus will spread widely to the human population, it is reassuring to know that plans for hospital pandemic flu are being made. However, due to inherent limitations in the case of a pandemic influenza presentation, it is emphasized that personal pandemic preparations should always be considered a first line of defense.