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As we approach the end of October, it is time to start thinking about preparing for Cold and Flu season. In the US, the annual cost associated with influenza is estimated to be in excess of $4 Billion. Each year, over 100 million workdays are lost due to influenza, costing American business more than $7 billion a year in sick days and lost employee productivity. The important takeaway is that everyone bears a piece of the costs including coworkers, healthcare professionals, insurance companies, and employers who are left to pick up the additional work during the time of employee illness.
There are many things that you can do to prepare your staff, patients, and pharmacy for this upcoming Cold and Flu season. The single best way to protect against the influenza virus is to get vaccinated each year, during the months of October and November. Currently there are two types of vaccination protocols:
1. The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine containing killed influenza virus. The flu shot is contraindicated for people who have allergies to chicken eggs, those who have had an adverse reaction in the past to the vaccine, children less than 6 months of age, and people who are currently experiencing flu symptoms or fever. (CDC Influenza Home Page)
2. The nasal flu vaccine (FluMist®) is manufactured using live attenuated flu virus and is indicated for healthy individuals between the ages of 2-49 years of age. Please note that, unlike the inactivated vaccine, FluMist® is not indicated for use in woman that are pregnant. (FluMist® Home Page)
The influenza virus is spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and touching surfaces that have been exposed to the fluids of infected individuals. Here are some important facts to share with your staff and patients:
- Clean your hands often! Since the virus can be spread through exposure to surfaces containing the virus, cleanliness is extremely important.
- Try to minimize your contact with people who are sick.
- Encourage your staff and patients to STAY HOME FROM WORK if they are sick to minimize the chance of infecting others. In the event you have pharmacists that are out sick, ensure that you have already established relationships with pharmacy staffing agencies that are prepared to handle your needs. Further information on pharmacy specific staffing can be found through Rx Pro Health. (www.RxProHealth.com)
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Influenza can be spread through airborne fluids of contaminated individuals.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth without cleaning your hands.
- Consider carrying travel sized hand sanitizer with you so that you can maintain clean hands.
Please remember that all of the above are suggestions to prevent the acquisition and spread of the influenza virus. At this point there is no guarantee against the virus, but all of these can help keep you, your employees, and families healthy this year.
Cold & Flu in the News
10/22/2007 - Bird Flu Spreads Among Humans - WHO
10/22/2007 - U.S. government drafts step-by-step plan for flu pandemic
10/19/2007 - Hyland's Homeopathic Medicine Offers Parents Safe, All-Natural Option to Alleviate the Symptoms of Colds
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