Top ten list of long-term care facility preparations for the upcoming influenza season.
A novel influenza A partly of virus of swine origin (2009 H1N1) emerged this spring, resulting in an influenza pandemic. This pandemic is anticipated to continue into the next influenza season. Given that the 2009 H1N1 and seasonal influenza A appear to be somewhat different in the human populations affected and that two influenza vaccines will be recommended this fall, those who manage long-term care facilities and treat patients in them will be faced with many uncertainties as they approach the 2009/10 influenza season. Ten specific suggestions are offered to those responsible for the care of patients in long-term care facilities regarding the upcoming influenza season. These practical suggestions are the clinical opinions of the authors and do not represent official recommendations of the American Geriatrics Society or any agency.
Pierce
J Rush
JR
Division of Geriatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Amarillo, Texas, USA. jrpierce@salud.unm.edu
Kellie
Susan M
SM
West
Theresa A
TA
Richardson
J Matthew
JM
Neale
Devon A
DA
Montgomery
Ona G
OG
McClure
Stephanie C
SC
Bell
Todd E
TE
D000368:Aged; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008134:Long-Term Care; D009735:Nursing Homes; D014481:United States