News of a flu epidemic in Australia that could reach UK shores this winter, is a timely reminder that care homes need to prepare for a raft of seasonal bugs. Sharon Evans, PR and digital marketing specialist at Cairn Care, considers how to tackle three of the most dangerous
The epidemic that has taken hold in Australia is influenza A (H3N2), the most severe strain of flu, which has sadly already proved fatal to a group of elderly people, several of whom were living in residential care. Of course, as well as other strains of influenza, there are a host of high risk illnesses that could affect care home residents this winter, so it is vital to be prepared.
Influenza or flu is an infectious viral illness that is spread by coughs and colds. Typical symptoms include aches and pains, a high temperature of 38°C or over, fatigue or weakness, headache and a dry, chesty cough. While flu can be very unpleasant, it usually only lasts up to a week. However, in some instances it can lead to further complications, such as pneumonia and even death, so it is not an infection to be taken lightly.
This is particularly true for elderly people living in care homes for two reasons. Firstly, the elderly are at greater risk from the complications of flu than younger adults. Secondly, elderly care home residents live in close proximity to one another, meaning that there is a greater likelihood of flu spreading from person to person.
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