1. Influenza is an infection caused
by a virus. There are many
types of influenza viruses.
2. How is it spread?
When an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes the
virus is expelled into the air.
If you’re within 3 feet of that infected person, you
have been exposed. Unfortunately if you have the flu,
you may not show symptoms for 2 days after you’re
infected—so you’re spreading the flu virus to those
around you, and you don’t even realize you’re infected!
3. Why is there a different flu
vaccine every year?
There are so many types (strains) of influenza—the
Centers for Disease Control researches what strains are
across the world and do their best to predict which
type will be seen in the upcoming season. Some years
they are right on target, but not always. There are
always 3 primary strains in the vaccine each year.
4. Should I get a flu vaccine?
A flu vaccine remains your best protection against
influenza. Your immunity will last about 5-6 months,
so it’s important not to get it too early. Usually late
September or October are prime vaccination times.
5. Do we take care of tuberculosis
patients?
If you suspect a patient has TB, notify the physician
immediately. If appropriate, the physician will transfer
the patient to SFMC or Glenwood for follow-up of
suspected tuberculosis.
We are equipped to take care of tuberculosis patients if
needed.
6. What are the symptoms of
tuberculosis?
Persistent coughing for more than 3 weeks
Unexplained weight loss
Night sweats
Fever
Coughing up blood
Chest pain
Fatigue
7. If I have a positive skin test, does
that mean I can infect others?
Not necessarily: It means you’ve been exposed to the
TB germ. You have been around someone who had
active TB; and, as that person talked, coughed, or
sneezed, the bacteria went into the air and you inhaled
it. If you don’t have symptoms, then you are not
infectious.
You will need to be seen by a physician in order to
determine appropriate therapy to ensure the “germs”
you have are killed—usually that therapy is taking a
medication called INH for 6-9 months.
8. Is it required that I be tested for
TB every year?
Yes, at least annually according to state law if you
work in a facility licensed by the Dept. of Health and
Hospitals.
9. Should you clean your hands
before touching a patient?
You should always clean your hands before touching a
patient.
10. Is it OK to use hand sanitizer
after removing bloody gloves?
No, it is not OK. You need to wash your hands instead.
11. What is the best way to protect
yourself from most infections?
Washing your hands is the best way
yourself from most infections.
to protect
