Flu season is an important time of year to routinely practice illness prevention measures, but this is especially true for hospitals.
While the flu can be a truly awful illness for a healthy person, it can result in severe health complications -- and even death -- among individuals with immunodeficiency.
This presents a serious threat for patients in oncology wards or those who are stricken with autoimmune diseases.
How the Flu Virus Spreads and What It Does Though commonly mistaken for an illness affecting the stomach, influenza is actually a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system - the throat, nose and lungs.
It is transmitted through droplets that are passed either directly from person to person, or by touching infected surfaces.
This is why the importance of hand washing and covering the nose and mouth when sneezeing or coughing, is emphasized during flu season.
The flu virus can live on a contaminated surface for a long time -long enough for several people to be infected long after the carrier has left.
Health complications arising from influenza can be serious or deadly, especially in people considered to be at a higher risk - children under the age of two, older adults, pregnant women, individuals with immunodeficiency and people with chronic health problems (such as asthma or diabetes).
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are common examples of health complications from the flu.
The flu virus can also exacerbate any chronic health problems.
For instance, people recovering from a major surgery or undergoing chemotherapy are more likely to experience severe flu symptoms for a longer duration of time.
Preventative Measures to Reduce Flu Infection Much can be done to help prevent infection and reduce the spread of influenza.
However, hospitals present a unique challenge due to the vast number of both people and dangerous microbes present in the building.
One of the best defenses is requiring hospital staff and all healthcare personnel to receive annual flu vaccinations.
Some healthcare providers offer an annual flu vaccine for free.
This is a great way to endorse prevention awareness and vaccination among staff and the general public.
Other healthy habits, such as frequently washing hands with soap and hot water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, also reduce virus transmission.
Reducing exposure to infected individuals, as well as thoroughly and regularly disinfecting common areas, medical equipment, television remotes, door handles and linens, also diminish the spread of highly infectious viruses like the flu.
Importance of Proper Laundering in Hospitals Hand washing, vaccinations, and medical gloves and masks are all very helpful in the prevention of spreading infectious disease.
But one of the primary points of contact for patients and healthcare staff alike are hospital linens.
Washing patient bedding in hot water with regular laundry detergent does not typically provide adequate protection against spreading the serious contaminants present in hospitals.
One of the most effective measures to fight flu outbreaks is seeking out a professional service to wash and sanitize linens.
They are trained to handle textiles according to strict guidelines, such as using only EPA-registered laundry disinfectant and washing in water temperatures above 160°F.
These efforts drastically reduce common pathogens and microbes that are prevalent in hospitals.