AlaskaDenise
In Memoriam
SANDY (ABC 4 New) – The Salt Lake Valley Health Department learned Monday of a possible, new outbreak of the H1N1 virus commonly called swine flu. Alta Ridge Assisted Living, 1360 East 9400 South, Sandy, reported that several people have “flu like” symptoms. Of those, rapid tests found that four are type “A” influenza. Swine Flu is a type “A” influenza. However, further testing at the state lab is necessary to determine if it is indeed H1N1.
What’s interesting about the possible outbreak is this: Of the four possible cases, three are employees and only one is a resident. Conventional wisdom says that the elderly are most at risk of infectious disease. But Dr. Dagmar Vitek of the health department says this does not appear to be the case with swine flu. “We don't know at this point why the older population is being spared,” Dr Vitek explains. “But we're seeing that the novel influenza circulates among the younger group. Most affected are somewhere between 5 and 30 -- that's the age group that's being affected the most."
That infection profile has been documented around the world. And it could now be playing out in the assisted living facility as well.
Even so, Dr. Vitek and facility managers are taking no chances. Here are precautions already being put in place:
1) Sick residents isolated.
2) Masks worn by both sick residents and employees who work with them.
3) Sick employees ordered home.
Dr. Vitek admits sick leave is a hardship; still it is necessary to prevent further spread. “I know for some facilities it is really difficult when 30% of staff is ill. But the recommendation is that they should stay home for at least 7 days."
Dr. Vitek and her staff will also recommend that those who are showing symptoms be treated with anti-viral medication.
http://www.abc4.com/content/news/sl...t-assisted-living/4qIRKplC80Gm9tuLVUGnxQ.cspx
What’s interesting about the possible outbreak is this: Of the four possible cases, three are employees and only one is a resident. Conventional wisdom says that the elderly are most at risk of infectious disease. But Dr. Dagmar Vitek of the health department says this does not appear to be the case with swine flu. “We don't know at this point why the older population is being spared,” Dr Vitek explains. “But we're seeing that the novel influenza circulates among the younger group. Most affected are somewhere between 5 and 30 -- that's the age group that's being affected the most."
That infection profile has been documented around the world. And it could now be playing out in the assisted living facility as well.
Even so, Dr. Vitek and facility managers are taking no chances. Here are precautions already being put in place:
1) Sick residents isolated.
2) Masks worn by both sick residents and employees who work with them.
3) Sick employees ordered home.
Dr. Vitek admits sick leave is a hardship; still it is necessary to prevent further spread. “I know for some facilities it is really difficult when 30% of staff is ill. But the recommendation is that they should stay home for at least 7 days."
Dr. Vitek and her staff will also recommend that those who are showing symptoms be treated with anti-viral medication.
http://www.abc4.com/content/news/sl...t-assisted-living/4qIRKplC80Gm9tuLVUGnxQ.cspx