We’ve decided that next flu season we’re going to mandate our staff members get flu shots. Are we on firm legal ground?
Flu creates challenges, but staff can prepare effectively
By
Paula J. Fenza, M.A.
Feb 26, 2013
On average, roughly 24,000 Americans die each flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than half of those hospitalized are over age 65. This season’s influenza...
CDC: Flu hitting elderly especially hard, but only half of nursing home workers vaccinated
By
McKnight's Staff
Jan 22, 2013
The 2012-13 flu season has been especially bad for the elderly, officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday in a call with reporters. Despite this, CDC figures show about half...
Upsurge in flu cases to keep providers on high alert in days ahead
Jan 11, 2013
With widespread cases of flu being reported already in 47 states, health officials nationwide are keeping a wary eye eye on public health. Nursing homes in various pockets have reported cutting off or...
Take a shot
By
Elizabeth Newman
Dec 11, 2012
I have two major deal-breakers for friends: If you have purchased a pet from a breeder, or if you are anti-vaccination, especially for your child, I am going to seriously re-evaluate the friendship.
State unloads tens of thousands of respirators on long-term care providers
By
McKnight's Staff
May 07, 2012
Skilled nursing facilities in California will receive tens of thousands of N95 respirators, officials said Friday.
Early-season flu jab could reduce heart attack risk, study finds
Sep 21, 2010
Receiving a vaccination in the late summer or fall could help reduce the risk of a first heart attack by an average of 19%, according to a new study.
Residents need flu and pneumo- coccal vaccine
By
Dr. William Hall, Dr. Susan J. Rehm and Dr. William Schaffner
Aug 17, 2010
You don’t want to mess around with pneumococcal bacteria, which causes pneumonia, and even worse, sepsis and meningitis. That’s why nursing home residents should receive two vaccinations: the...
H1N1 prevention: beyond masks and handwash
By
John Nappi Jr.
Nov 24, 2009
If a case of H1N1 ends up in your long-term care facility, there are actions you can take to prevent the flu from spreading throughout the building.
H1N1, seasonal flu on the decline–for now
Nov 24, 2009
The swine flu appears to have peaked in the U.S., but the pandemic and other forms of flu can hit several peaks in a season, U.S. health officials said.