Influenza (Flu) is a seasonal infection that can cause mild to severe illness, in some cases it can lead to hospitalization or even death of thousands of patients yearly “Seasonal flu is a serious disease that cause illness, hospitalizations, and deaths every year in the United States” (CDC, 2016). The most effective way to prevent the spread of influenza is through vaccination “Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year” (CDC, 2016).
The goal of community health nurse is primary prevention against influenza, vaccinating and educating patients, employees and volunteers to prevent …show more content…
According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), influenza cases have been increasing in the state this season “Statewide emergency department visits attributed to the “fever/flu syndrome” are beginning to increase and are now at 4.6%, which is below the level of 5% statewide that is generally considered the minimum threshold when there are elevated influenza-associated ED visits”. Furthermore, reports as of November 2016 have showed that A total of 66 positive influenza reports have been reported during the current season (August 28 – November 19, 2016). Influenza was reported in seven counties: New Haven (24 reports), Fairfield (17), Hartford (14), Litchfield (4), New London (4), Middlesex (2) and Tolland County (1). Of the 66 positive influenza reports, 48 were Type A (subtype unspecified), 13 were Type A (H3N2), and 5 were influenza B virus”. From the 66 positive influenza reports, 50% were hospitalized “A total of 33 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted between August 28 and November 19, 2016 have been reported to …show more content…
The report estimates that 23.6% of the residents are in poverty condition, in comparison the state of CT having 10.5%. There are many different factors that cause the increase in patients testing positive for influenza in the Bridgeport community. Some of these factors include poverty, lack of knowledge about the disease, fear of needles, lack of resources such as medical insurance and treatment, also difficulty of transport to and from doctor’s appointments. With a high percentage of poverty in the city, many residents have daily struggles. Not having a secure place to sleep, living in unhygienic conditions, the lack of adequate nutrition and medical resources increases the risk of exposure to communicable diseases “The influenza virus is easily transmitted from human to human, mainly by droplet spread” (Duncan, 2016). St Vincent’s Medical Mission at Home offers medical exams, vaccinations including flu shots, prescription counseling, foot washing and podiatry services, behavioral health services, mammography, and follow-up care at no
The goal of community health nurse is primary prevention against influenza, vaccinating and educating patients, employees and volunteers to prevent …show more content…
According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), influenza cases have been increasing in the state this season “Statewide emergency department visits attributed to the “fever/flu syndrome” are beginning to increase and are now at 4.6%, which is below the level of 5% statewide that is generally considered the minimum threshold when there are elevated influenza-associated ED visits”. Furthermore, reports as of November 2016 have showed that A total of 66 positive influenza reports have been reported during the current season (August 28 – November 19, 2016). Influenza was reported in seven counties: New Haven (24 reports), Fairfield (17), Hartford (14), Litchfield (4), New London (4), Middlesex (2) and Tolland County (1). Of the 66 positive influenza reports, 48 were Type A (subtype unspecified), 13 were Type A (H3N2), and 5 were influenza B virus”. From the 66 positive influenza reports, 50% were hospitalized “A total of 33 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted between August 28 and November 19, 2016 have been reported to …show more content…
The report estimates that 23.6% of the residents are in poverty condition, in comparison the state of CT having 10.5%. There are many different factors that cause the increase in patients testing positive for influenza in the Bridgeport community. Some of these factors include poverty, lack of knowledge about the disease, fear of needles, lack of resources such as medical insurance and treatment, also difficulty of transport to and from doctor’s appointments. With a high percentage of poverty in the city, many residents have daily struggles. Not having a secure place to sleep, living in unhygienic conditions, the lack of adequate nutrition and medical resources increases the risk of exposure to communicable diseases “The influenza virus is easily transmitted from human to human, mainly by droplet spread” (Duncan, 2016). St Vincent’s Medical Mission at Home offers medical exams, vaccinations including flu shots, prescription counseling, foot washing and podiatry services, behavioral health services, mammography, and follow-up care at no