Swine Flu Scare for Nurses

[madden52]

Dear All,

While the advent of flu season draws nearer, I am becoming increasingly concerned with the possibility of getting swine flu (or even worse, a more lethal mutated form of it )from contact with patients when I begin nursing school clinicals. My mother just got the swine flu as it is, and hasn't been around patients for two weeks prior to its onset. What do all think, I am need of some reassurance. Thank you muchly.

[indigo girl]

Dear All,

While the advent of flu season draws nearer, I am becoming increasingly concerned with the possibility of getting swine flu (or even worse, a more lethal mutated form of it )from contact with patients when I begin nursing school clinicals. My mother just got the swine flu as it is, and hasn't been around patients for two weeks prior to its onset. What do all think, I am need of some reassurance. Thank you muchly.

Follow infection control guidelines carefully in clinical situations.

If unmasked keep your distance from anyone obviously infected. Just be aware that social distancing is helpful, and avoid crowds if you can. Think about the things you touch everyday that many hands have also touched, and practice frequent hand washing. Carry the cleansing gels with you. The little bottles are useful to have in your pocket. We use them all the time on my unit at work.

I have been looking but, I have not yet heard of any changes to the virus that would indicate more virulence. If this happens, I will post it. The only noteworthy changes that have occurred thus far are increasing cases of Tamiflu resistance. This is not unexpected but may take some time to be more noticeable. At this time however, Tamiflu continues to be very useful.

You should not worry over much about a situation that we have no control over. Just stay informed, and take good care of yourself. Stress is not good for the immune system.

Good luck with school.