December 1, 2018
It’s time for flu season and we are working together to prevent the spread of flu!
Once again, Fraser Health will be implementing its Influenza Control Program Policy. This policy requires that all STAFF and VISITORS who have not received a flu shot, are required to wear a surgical mask when they are in resident care areas. This means any area within Menno Home, Hospital and the Terraces that is accessible to the residents who live here.
Masks are available at the Nursing desks on each unit and at the front entrances.
Your participation for the health and safety of our residents will be required and greatly appreciated.
Who is at greatest risk?
The risk of complications is greater for seniors 65 years and older, very young children, and people who have lung or heart diseases, certain chronic health problems, or weakened immune systems.
As reported on CBC, this year’s dominant flu strain is more powerful than last year. It is a strain of H3N2 and it causes more hospitalizations and deaths than any other strain of flu. 80% of all flu-related deaths can be traced back to this particular strain of flu – of which 70% of those who die of the flu are elderly. Lead researchers for the BC Centre for Disease Control say that this vaccine is a good match with this year’s strain of H3N2 and will be effective in helping to prevent the spread of the disease and in building up resistance to this strain of the flu.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/flu-strain-stronger-earlier-this-year-warns-b-c-centre-for-disease-control-1.3821890
It is especially important with this flu strain that we do all that we are able to prevent the transmission of flu among the seniors whom we love.
At Menno Place, we are vigilant about preventing the flu from spreading. Our staff follow the Fraser Health Influenza policy from Fraser Health. They have either reported (shown evidence) of their flu immunization or wear a mask in areas where they are in contact with residents.
What is expected of families and visitors?
Families and visitors can be vigilant about preventing the spread of the flu by following these basic practices:
- Get a flu shot to reduce your chance of getting and spreading the flu.
- Wear a mask when you are in resident areas. This is required.
- Wash your hands. Frequent hand washing can reduce the risk of all respiratory infections.
- Cover your cough. You can also reduce the spread of germs by practising safe coughing and sneezing techniques.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
- Stay at home. Anybody who thinks they have an influenza-like illness (ie: fever and cough) should remain at home and limit exposure to others. Don’t bring your germs for a visit.
Resources
Facts about Gastrointestinal Illness (Stomach Flu)
Facts about Influenza
Is it a Cold or Influenza?
Home & Hospital: January Highlights
/in Family and FriendsJanuary 2019
January 08 @ 10:30am – Concert in Care Hospital Chapel
January 09 @ 10:30am – Saints Alive Hospital Chapel
January 12 @ 2:00pm – Jean’s school of music Hospital Chapel
January 10 – Mike’s Critter’s @ 1:30 –Home MPR/ 2:30pm @ Hospital Chapel
January 26 @ 2:00pm – Highland Dance group Hospital Chapel
Jean’s Academy of Music Performance -Jan 12th
/in Family and FriendsFlu Vaccination or Mask During Flu Season
/in Infection ControlFlu Vaccination or Mask During Flu Season
All visitors and staff who are in resident areas (in Home, Hospital or Terrace) must wear a mask or have the flu vaacination.
What if I have not received the flu vaccine? Can I visit a resident at Menno Place?
If you are visiting Menno Home, Menno Hospital or Terrace East, you must either receive a flu vaacination or wear a mask in resident areas during flu season. Masks are provided at every entrance to these areas.
When is the “flu season”?
Flu season usually runs from December to the end of March.
Additional Resources
[bsk-pdf-manager-list-category id=”1″]
Influenza – or the flu – can be a serious contagious disease, which is spread by droplet transmission through close contact with an infected person. Infected individuals are highly contagious and can transmit the virus for 24 hours before they show any symptoms.
Each year, there are approximately 3,500 deaths from influenza and its complications across Canada. Influenza causes by far the most deaths among vaccine-preventable diseases, outpacing all others combined.
Hospitalized patients and seniors in residential care are more vulnerable to influenza than healthy adults. The vaccine is also less effective in the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, making it even more important that their caregivers and visitors are vaccinated.
Concert in Care -Jan 8th
/in Family and FriendsNominate a Menno Place Team Member for a Recognition Award
/in Family and Friends, How Are We Doing?Prayer for you and yours – Menno Place Prayer Team will pray for you
/in Pastoral CareFlu shot or mask – those are the two choices for visitors…
/in Family and FriendsDecember 1, 2018
It’s time for flu season and we are working together to prevent the spread of flu!
Once again, Fraser Health will be implementing its Influenza Control Program Policy. This policy requires that all STAFF and VISITORS who have not received a flu shot, are required to wear a surgical mask when they are in resident care areas. This means any area within Menno Home, Hospital and the Terraces that is accessible to the residents who live here.
Masks are available at the Nursing desks on each unit and at the front entrances.
Your participation for the health and safety of our residents will be required and greatly appreciated.
Who is at greatest risk?
The risk of complications is greater for seniors 65 years and older, very young children, and people who have lung or heart diseases, certain chronic health problems, or weakened immune systems.
As reported on CBC, this year’s dominant flu strain is more powerful than last year. It is a strain of H3N2 and it causes more hospitalizations and deaths than any other strain of flu. 80% of all flu-related deaths can be traced back to this particular strain of flu – of which 70% of those who die of the flu are elderly. Lead researchers for the BC Centre for Disease Control say that this vaccine is a good match with this year’s strain of H3N2 and will be effective in helping to prevent the spread of the disease and in building up resistance to this strain of the flu.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/flu-strain-stronger-earlier-this-year-warns-b-c-centre-for-disease-control-1.3821890
It is especially important with this flu strain that we do all that we are able to prevent the transmission of flu among the seniors whom we love.
At Menno Place, we are vigilant about preventing the flu from spreading. Our staff follow the Fraser Health Influenza policy from Fraser Health. They have either reported (shown evidence) of their flu immunization or wear a mask in areas where they are in contact with residents.
What is expected of families and visitors?
Families and visitors can be vigilant about preventing the spread of the flu by following these basic practices:
Resources
Facts about Gastrointestinal Illness (Stomach Flu)
Facts about Influenza
Is it a Cold or Influenza?
You’re Invited: Family Support Group
/in Family and FriendsApartments: December Events/Highlights for the Month
/in Family and FriendsSome highlights from our October Recreation Calendars around Menno Place!
Home & Hospital: December Events/Highlights for the Month
/in Family and FriendsSome highlights from our October Recreation Calendars around Menno Place!