Management of Influenza Policy and Procedures Policy number 22.09 Approved by :CEO Version 1 Scheduled review date 28/3/2018 Created on 28/3/2017 POLICY STATEMENT Suspected cases of influenza are identified and managed to prevent transmission. Clients who has signs and symptoms of influenza are managed by staff in a safe manner. Strict infection control measures are in place when caring for clients with influenza. Both the client and staff are encouraged to have annual influenza vaccinations. SCOPE All Staff. RESPONSIBILTIES The Program Manager is responsible for: Advising the client to see the GP as soon as possible; Notifying the staff member/brokered agency scheduled to visit the client of the infection, as soon as possible and prior to staff arriving to the shift; Ensuring measures are in place to prevent the spread of the infection; Ensuring staff has completed the following training: - Infection Control in a Home Care setting Maintaining an up to date record of the immunisation status for staff and clients. All Staff are responsible for: Adhering to the infection control standards; Completing the required trainings. Notifying the Program Manager immediately if showing signs and symptoms of influenza and not having any physical contact with the client or other staff during the infectious period. Report to the Program Manager with any concerns. Provide education to the client and family on the infection control measures. Carrying PPE. P O L 2 2. 0 9 M a n a g e m e n t o f I n f l u e n z a P a g e 1 7
DEFINITION Influenza is highly contagious and can cause severe illness and life threatening complications such as pneumonia. There are three types of influenza: 1. Influenza A 2. Influenza B 3. Influenza C (rare) Influenza A and B are very common with seasonal flu cases. People are considered infectious from 1 day before the onset of the symptoms and viral shedding is greatest in the first 3-5 days of the illness, or may be longer with people who have low immune system. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS High fever (38 degrees or more) New or worsening cough Body aches (especially in the head, lower back and legs) Lethargic Chills Loss of appetite Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose FLU COMPLICATIONS Elderlies aged 65 years and over are at most risk of the complications of influenza. Complications may include: Pneumonia Bronchitis Febrile seizures Worsening of the client s current medical conditions. Death. TRANSMISSION Influenza is transmitted through droplets, for example, fluids from coughing and sneezing. P O L 2 2. 0 9 M a n a g e m e n t o f I n f l u e n z a P a g e 2 7
PROCEDURES 1 NOTIFICATION The Program Manager will need to notify: The staff scheduled for the visit as soon as possible of the suspected infection and to confirm with the staff if he/she is willing to accept the shift. The GP of the signs and symptoms and condition of the client and advise the client to see the GP. All Staff will need to: Notify the Program Manager immediately if showing signs and symptoms of influenza and not having any physical contact with the client or other staff during the infectious period. Report to the Program Manager with any concerns. 3 INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES 3.1 Reinforce Hand Hygiene There should be adequate supply of liquid soap at the basin or alcohol-based gel. The correct method of hand hygiene practices must be adhered too. Encourage the client to perform hand hygiene when coughing onto their hand. Staff performing hand hygiene practice before and after touching the client. See Clinical Care Policy: POL 03.09 Hand Hygiene. 3.2 Cough Etiquette Cough etiquette should be performed at all times, for example, coughing into the tissue and disposing of it immediately. After coughing and sneezing, or blowing the nose, hands must be washed immediately with soap and water. 3.2 Isolate the client who are infected Allocate a dedicated staff to look after the client (if possible) 3.3 Instruct staff with influenza to: - not be at work until they are symptom free. 3.4 Restrict Contact The client should have limited contact with others as much as possible while the infection is contagious. The contagious period is between 3-5 days from the first symptoms. 3.5 Increase Personal Protective Measures (gloves, disposable apron, eye protection and mask) Use PPE where contact with droplets are anticipated. P O L 2 2. 0 9 M a n a g e m e n t o f I n f l u e n z a P a g e 3 7
Single use surgical face mask that is fluid resistant, must be worn when providing direct care where close contact (less than a metre) is required. 3.6 Environment Regular cleaning of the environment. Dispose of contagious waste immediately into the waste bin. 4 PROCEDURE FOR PUTTING ON PPE Perform hand hygiene first. P O L 2 2. 0 9 M a n a g e m e n t o f I n f l u e n z a P a g e 4 7
5 PROCEDURE FOR REMOVING PPE P O L 2 2. 0 9 M a n a g e m e n t o f I n f l u e n z a P a g e 5 7
6 ENVIRONMENT CLEANING PROCEDURE Step 1: Apply PPE Step 2: Cleaning Soak cloth with warm water with detergent. Rinse and dry the surface. Step 3: Remove PPE Step 4: Perform Hand Hygiene. 7 WHEN TO SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION Difficulty breathing Chest pain Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe vomiting Fever with a rash 8 TREATMENT Maintain good fluid intake Rest 9 IMMUNISATION Both the client and staff are encouraged to have annual vaccinations against influenza, unless contraindicated. 9.1 Record All staff and client s influenza immunisation record are registered by the Program Manager (Influenza Immunisation Register) and the status is checked prior to the beginning of influenza season. Both staff and client will be reminded when the influenza vaccination is due. EXPECTED OUTCOME 100% of all staff use the correct method of hand hygiene and infection control measures in the management of influenza. The infection is isolated and there are no transmission of influenza to other household members/visitors or staff. 95% or more of both staff and clients are vaccinated from influenza. The client progressively recovers from the infection. P O L 2 2. 0 9 M a n a g e m e n t o f I n f l u e n z a P a g e 6 7
RELATED DOCUMENTS Workplace Safety Policy: POL 02.06 Safe Work Practices Clinical Care Policy: POL 03.09 Hand Hygiene Workplace Safety Documents: DOC 5.06 Workplace Incident and Accident Report Workplace Safety Documents: DOC 3.06 Infection Control and Hand Hygiene Competency REGISTER REG 31.13 Staff Training Register Influenza Immunisation Register REFERENCES Communicable Diseases Network Australia, Guideline for the prevention, control and public health management of influenza outbreaks in residential care facilities in Australia, March 2017. Better Health Channel, Flu (influenza) https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/flu-influenza P O L 2 2. 0 9 M a n a g e m e n t o f I n f l u e n z a P a g e 7 7