Gina Kokosky, Assistant Editor

The 2017-2018 influenza season was one of the most severe in more than a decade, with high levels of hospitalization and mortality. The harsh season resulted in an estimated 80,000 deaths, including 185 known pediatric deaths, according to the CDC.

Although health officials cannot predict whether the 2018-2019 flu season will be equally severe, they are urging people to take preventive measures to keep the flu from spreading, with an emphasis on getting vaccinated.

Flu prevention is crucial, as flu can lead to serious complications and death, especially among those with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.

The CDC notes that vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of flu, and it recommends vaccines for everyone older than 6 months.

Flu vaccines are particularly important for patients with a high risk of complications, including adults over 65 years; children under 5 years; patients with chronic conditions such as asthma, blood disorders, endocrine disorders such as diabetes, kidney disorders, liver disorders, lung diseases, and neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions; postpartum and pregnant women; and residents of long-term-care facilities, according to Kristen Nordlund, a CDC spokesperson.

“Flu vaccines have a good safety record. Hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu vaccines over the past 50 years, and there has been extensive research supporting the safety of flu vaccines,” Nordlund said in an interview.

Each year, investigators predict which flu strain will be the most active, with yearly vaccines containing 3 or 4 of these strains. These predictions are based on year-round flu surveillance from more than 100 national influenza centers with oversight from the World Health Organization. Because the vaccine cannot protect against unpredicted flu strains, the vaccine’s effectiveness can vary each year.

Results from recent studies show that the flu vaccine reduces the risk of being infected with flu virus by 40% to 60% when viruses that are circulating most match the vaccine’s formulation, according to the CDC.

Although a vaccine does not guarantee complete immunity, it can help reduce the seriousness of influenza if an individual is infected. Getting vaccinated can decrease the risk of flu-related hospitalization, prevent absence from school or work, limit flu-related doctor visits, and reduce the length of the illness, according to the CDC.

Despite flu vaccines’ wide acceptance as the best way to prevent flu, some people are not inclined to get the shot because they believe they can get infected from the vaccine and have misconceptions about its effectiveness.

“The vaccines contain either inactivated virus, meaning the viruses are no longer infectious, or a particle designed to look like a flu virus to your immune system,” Nordlund said. “Although the nasal spray flu vaccine does contain a live virus, the viruses are changed so that they cannot give you the flu.”

Aside from getting vaccinated, there are other basic hygiene actions that individuals can take to prevent the spread of flu: avoiding contact with sick people; cleaning surfaces around people who may be sick; covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; limiting contact with others while sick, including staying home from school or work; not touching their eyes, mouth, and nose; taking antivirals when necessary; and washing hands often, according to the CDC.

Recognizing the symptoms of the flu and seeking treatment are important steps in preventing the virus from spreading.

Symptoms of the flu can be similar to those of the common cold (

), which may confuse patients about which virus they have, Nordlund said.

“Flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses,” Nordlund added. In general, flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are more common and intense,” she said.

Symptoms such as body aches, fever, and headaches are more likely with flu and will have an abrupt onset and heightened intensity compared with those of the common cold. Chills and fatigue are common during the flu, while they are less intense or likely for the common cold. Chest discomfort and coughing are common with both colds and the flu, but they are often milder with a cold.

Finally, symptoms such as sneezing, a sore throat, and a stuffy nose are more common with colds than the flu, according to the CDC.

The CDC recommends that patients remain aware of the differentiation between the common cold and the flu and seek medical attention if they are experiencing flu symptoms. Early treatment with antivirals can prevent the virus from spreading to others.

Keeping these tips in mind, pharmacists can play an important role in preventing the spread of flu. “Pharmacists can do 2 things this flu season to prevent flu spreading.” Nordlund said. “This starts with getting themselves vaccinated in order to keep themselves and their colleagues protected. Second, they can educate and vaccinate the people who come to see them.”

Stobbe M. APNewsBreak: 80,000 people died of flu last winter in US. Associated Press website. apnews.com/818b5360eb7d472480ebde13da5c72b5. Published September 26, 2018. Accessed October 22, 2018.

About flu. CDC website. cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html. Updated October 26, 2018. Accessed November 1, 2018.

Influenza (flu). Preventive steps. CDC website. cdc.gov/flu/consumer/prevention.htm. Updated September 10, 2018. Accessed October 22, 2018.

CDC says “take 3” actions to prevent the flu. CDC website. cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm. Updated August 1, 2018. Accessed October 22, 2018.

Cold versus flu. CDC website. cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm. Updated September 18, 2018. Accessed October 22, 2018.

Articles

The 2017-2018 influenza season was one of the most severe in more than a decade, with high levels of hospitalization and mortality.

Preventive Measures Are Essential to Reducing Flu-Related Complications, Deaths 

With the holiday season in full swing, managing your health might be the last thing on your mind. To help stay healthy and safe this holiday season, the CDC has released tips for enjoying the holidays while being mindful of your health.

Holiday gatherings provide opportunities to come in contact with pathogens, and the CDC reminds us that, while It may be the most wonderful time of the year, it’s also flu season. The agency recommends washing your hands often with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds to prevent the spread of germs.

With temperatures dropping, people should stay dry and warm by bundling up in appropriate outdoor clothing. The CDC recommends wearing light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots to stay dry.

The holidays bring excitement, but it can also be stressful and busy time of year. Remember to manage stress by finding support, connecting with others, and getting the recommended amount of sleep, according to the CDC. It’s important to get together with friends and family to destress during the holidays, but make sure to leave some time for relaxation.

If a get together with friends and family involves alcohol, make sure to have a designated driver or utilize a ride share app. The CDC warns against drinking and driving, as it puts everyone on the road in danger. Don’t drink and drive during the holidays and intervene if someone who’s been drinking tries to get behind the wheel.

The CDC also recommends being cautious while driving, in general, and to always use seat belts. Younger children should always be in a safety seat or booster seat dependent on their height and weight, while older children and adults should always buckle up.

As always, avoid smoking during the holidays. Smoking not only damages the smoker, but those who are exposed to secondhand smoke.

Use time off from work or school to catch up on health exams. Visiting a health care provider over the holidays stay up to date on health exams. The CDC also recommends using this time to update personal and family history.

While visiting your health care provider, make sure vaccinations are also up to date. Adults and children older than 6 months should receive annual flu vaccines, according to the CDC.

During the holidays, Santa Claus should not be the only one keeping an eye on children. Make sure potentially dangerous food, toys, drinks, and other objects are out of reach. Parents should also keep an eye out for burns, falls, and other potential accidents, like drowning, according to the CDC.

Be sure to practice fire safety too by never walking away from space heaters, fire places, food cooking, or lit candles. The CDC recommends having an emergency evacuation plan for fires in place, and practicing it regularly, just in case.

The CDC also recommends using food safety practices, such as hand washing, washing surfaces, avoiding cross contamination, ensuring food is cooked to proper temperatures, and storing food properly, to avoid illness and injury.

Lastly, the CDC advises against putting on holiday weight by staying active and eating healthy. When indulging in Christmas treats, make sure to limit portion sizes and fill up the rest of the plate with nutritious fruit and veggies. Fight holiday weight by staying active with at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of weekly exercise for adults and 1 hour of daily exercise for kids and teenagers.

Following these tips from the CDC can help you enjoy the holidays, while avoiding health and safety risks.

12 Ways to Have a Healthy Holiday Season. CDC Feature. CDC website. December 4, 2018.

https://www.cdc.gov/features/healthytips/

Donâ€™t let a busy holiday season distract you from managing your health and staying safe

12 tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays

annual World AIDS Day is taking place December 1, 2018 to raise awareness about the disease and the fight against HIV infection. The day also shows support for those living with HIV, and remembers those who have lost their lives to an AIDS-related illness.

The first ever global health day dedicated to AIDS awareness took place in 1988, according to the World AIDS Day Campaign. Today, there are an estimated 36.7 million people living with an HIV infection globally.

The virus has taken more than 35 million lives since it’s identification in 1984, making it one of the deadliest pandemics to exist, according to World AIDS Day.

When HIV was first identified, it was considered a death sentence. Due to advances in medicine, however, those infected with HIV can live with the disease. While scientists know more about the virus than ever, and can prevent it from progressing into AIDS, there is still no known cure for HIV infection, according to the campaign.

HIV is not as deadly as it once was, but it is still considered a world crisis, with 5000 people in the UK being diagnosed each year. World AIDs Day aims to promote awareness for HIV prevention and testing, while also ending the stigma and discrimination that HIV-positive patients face, according to the campaign. The campaign reminds the public that AIDS has not gone away and that raising money, promoting awareness, destigmatizing those infected, and improving education are vital to ending AIDS.

encouraging people to wear a red ribbon on World AIDS Day to stand in solidarity with the millions who are currently living with HIV.  As there is no cure for HIV, those infected often face discrimination that prevents them from living full lives. Being HIV-positive is associated with living in poverty and having poor mental health, according to the campaign.

The ribbon also represents HIV awareness and early detection. HIV transmission rates are slowing down in the UK, yet almost 50% of diagnosed patients are not aware of their condition until it has already permanently damaged their health. Early detection can prevent health damage and make AIDS progression easier to prevent.

The campaign is also hosting a festival with STOPAIDS and other community groups in the UK called ENDAIDS2030. The festival is dedicated to raising awareness for the public health concern of HIV, with the goal of ending AIDS worldwide by 2030. The festival began on November 26, and is running through December 3.

Rock the Ribbon this World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day.

The campaign promotes HIV prevention awareness and destigmatizes those living with the virus. 

World AIDS Day Campaign Aims to End AIDS Globally by 2030

Every October, Halloween treats make their way around every workplace, and leftover trick-or-treat candy can haunt parents for weeks. While Halloween brings fall fun and excitement for people of all ages it’s important to look after your health.

The CDC has offered some tips for staying safe and healthy this Halloween, while still enjoying the holiday.

It’s important to schedule in some exercise between get-togethers, trick or treating, and pumpkin carving. The CDC recommends getting in some cardio, such as taking a brisk fall walk, or heading to the gym for some strength training. Exercising regularly can keep one’s weight under control and protect against heart disease and certain cancers, as well as improving mental health and mood, while reducing the risk of mortality, according to the CDC.

Instead offer healthy alternatives as Halloween treats. If you’re hosting a Halloween party, for example, offering fruit and vegetables can allow your guests to fill up on healthy snacks rather than candy. Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other key components for good health, according to the agency.

Aside from affecting your waistline, sugary Halloween treats can lead to cavities. Make sure to have good oral hygiene and limit the amount of sugar you eat to reduce the risk of tooth decay this Halloween season. The CDC recommends brushing with toothpaste that contains fluoride every day to prevent cavities and the pain or infections that can result from them.

When trick or treating on Halloween, make sure to prioritize your safety. Some CDC-recommended tips include remaining alert to passing cars, wearing reflective gear, walking in a group, and carrying a flashlight.

Another important way to stay healthy during Halloween is to protect against the flu. With get-togethers for both adults and children, it’s easy to spread germs. Flu can be prevented by washing your hands regularly and getting vaccinated to protect yourself and others from the flu. CDC officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine.

Halloween might be a busy holiday, but getting enough sleep is still important. Adults who don’t get a full 7-8 hours of quality sleep may wake up feeling like a zombie the next day. Studies show that not getting enough sleep is linked to Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, according to the CDC.

Lastly, keep your Halloween activities tobacco-free, because smoking is already scary enough. The CDC notes that smoking can harm almost every organ in the body and leads to many preventable diseases in the feature.

The CDC recommends following all these tips to have a fun, safe, and healthy Halloween.

Seven Ways to Be Safe and Healthy This Halloween. CDC Features. Published October 16, 2018.

https://www.cdc.gov/features/halloweenhealth/index.html

The CDC offers 7 tips to avoid any health scares this season. 

CDC: Stay Healthy this Halloween

Arthritis is the most common disability in the United States, with more than 54.4 million, or 1 in 4, adults living from the condition. It is a leading cause of both workplace disability and chronic pain among individuals in the United States, and may even be linked to

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) has dedicated October 12, 2018 to raising awareness about arthritis and it’s debilitating impact, marking it as World Arthritis Day (WAD), according to a statement from the organization.

The campaign theme for 2018, “Don’t Delay: Connect Today,” aims at promoting awareness of symptoms associated with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, and advocating for better access to care. EULAR invites organizations throughout the world to use the ideas presented on the WAD website in creating national level events, in the statement.

Patients don’t always recognize the initial signs of RMDs, which can lead to a delayed diagnosis, or none at all. Additionally, a reduced quality of life or diminishing physical abilities may prevent patients from seeking medical attention. Identifying an RMD early is crucial to preventing further damage, which is why the campaign focuses on improving early access to treatment, according to EULAR.

Common symptoms for most RMDs that patients should look out for are pain and stiffness around one or more joints. Symptoms may come on suddenly or gradually over time, and they may come and go or persist over time. Risk factors for developing arthritis include being overweight or obese, having an infection in the joints, suffering from joint injuries, having a job that requires repetitive movement of the joints, and smoking, according to the CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/index.html

The EULAR Campaign in 2018. Eular Website.

Seeking treatment for signs of arthritis early can lead to better outcomes. 

World Arthritis Day Focuses on Early Diagnosis and Treatment

A hospital in Arkansas adopted a new technology to ensure patient safety and improve hospital room disinfection.

Unity Health’s White County Medical Center became one of the first hospitals in Arkansas to implement Xenex LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robots to disinfect hospital rooms and to create a safe environment for patients. The hospital has 3 LightStrike Robots to sanitize 30 hospital rooms per day in 4 different units, as well as in operating rooms after all daily operations are completed, according to Xenex Disinfection Systems.

The robots work by using a high intensity pulsing xenon ultraviolet (UV) light system to effectively disinfect rooms and kill high-risk pathogens, such as

(MRSA), and Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). These microscopic pathogens can live on hospital room surfaces for up to 6 months if missed by manual cleaning and can make hospital patients and employees sick, according to the release.

“With the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, we decided to investigate the newest technologies to keep our hospital clean and our patients safe. After reviewing the clinical evidence we chose the LightStrike pulsed xenon UV robots which are operated by our environmental services team,” said Meghann Holmes, Infection Preventionist at White County Medical Center, in a prepared statement.  “We are very pleased to report that we have seen an 85% reduction in infection rates since implementing our three robots.”

This significant reduction in infection rates has reduced cost of treatment at the facility by $528,714, which is more than it cost the hospital to purchase the 3 robots, according to the press release.

With superbugs becoming resistant to antibiotics, and therefore, more difficult to kill, hospitals are turning to the new technology to keep these superbug-causing microorganisms out of the hospitals. Many hospitals have used the Xenex LightStrike Robots in peer-reviewed published studies that have shown a 46% to 100% reduction in

and MRSA infection rates in surgical sites, according to the press release.

White County Medical Center is being noticed for the effort. The facility became one of the first hospitals in Arkansas to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network and receive the Governor’s Quality Award twice, due to their dedication to better patient care.

Xenex has also honored White County Medical Center, as a Visionary Hospital for the future of clinical disinfection. Visionary Hospitals are facilities that prioritize patient safety, implement technology with outcomes that have been proven in peer-reviewed published studies, follow the best practices as recommended by the manufacturer, publicize results to help other hospitals improve, and share data for the benefit of human health, according to Xenen.

“We are honored to be their partner,” said Xenex Vice President of Sales and Account Management, Irene Hahn, in a prepared statement. “And we have proudly designated them as a Visionary Hospital for their great work in infection prevention.”

Unity Health’s White County Medical Center Reports 85% Decrease in Infection Rates After Germ Fighting Robots Deployed to Disinfect Patient Rooms. Xenex Light Strike. October 3, 2018.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181003005851/en

The robots are proven to kill microorganisms that lead to superbugs in hospital settings.