Brush Up on Droplet Precautions this Flu Season Even though winter is slowly making its exit, flu season is just beginning! According to the CDC, flu activity typically peaks in January or February and can continue until as late as May.1 This year, however, the flu season officially began in February – the slowest start since the winter of 1987-'88. A flu season officially begins when the CDC sees enough flu cases in the U.S. to signal the start of the season.2 If a resident in your facility has suspected or confirmed influenza, it is important to adhere to droplet precautions for seven days after the onset of the illness or 24 hours after the resolution of fever and respiratory symptoms, whichever is longer. Influenza viruses are predominantly spread through large-particle droplet transmissions (for example, when an infected person coughs or sneezes near a susceptible person). Droplet precautions include3 : Placing residents with suspected or confirmed flu in a private room or area. Having caregivers wear facemasks when entering the rooms of residents with confirmed or suspected flu. After leaving the room, the caregiver should remove the facemask, place it in a waste container and perform hand hygiene. If a resident under droplet precautions needs to leave his room, have him wear a facemask, if possible, and adhere to respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette and hand hygiene. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2011-2012 Influenza Season: Disease Activity. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2011-2012.htm. Accessed February 20, 2012. Washington Post. CDC: Flu season is officially here, off to its latest start in nearly 25 years. Available at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/cdc-flu-season-is-officially-here-off-to-its-latest-start-in-nearly-25-years/2012/02/17/gIQAdplvJR_story.html. Accessed February 20, 2012. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/healthcaresettings.htm. Accessed February 20, 2012. Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez! Today is Mardi Gras! Why not kick off a celebration at your facility by whipping up a batch of non-alcoholic Hurricanes for your residents to enjoy? Mix up a batch and laissez les bon temps roulez (let the good times roll)! Non-Alcoholic Hurricanes 2 cups passion fruit juice 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice 1 cup orange juice 3/4 cup lemon juice 2 cups sparkling water Ice cubes Pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries (for garnish) Combine all of the juices in a pitcher. Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water. Pour the mixture into hurricane or highball glasses filled with ice and garnish with pineapple wedges and cherries. Yield: 9 servings (3/4 cup each) Special Pricing Available on N95 Respirators * Limited quantities available. While supplies last. Gerson 1730 N95 Particulate Respirator The Gerson 1730 N95 Particulate Respirator meets CDC Guidelines for fluid resistance and TB exposure control. Features include a collapse-resistant double shell and Sure-Fit nose cushion for non-irritating comfort. Special price: $18.95 Gerson 2130 N95 Particulate Respirator Gerson’s 2130 N95 Particulate Respirator folds flat for easy storage and portability. It meets CDC Guidelines for fluid resistance and TB exposure control. Special price: $14.95 Product pricing is only visible to registered promedsupply.com customers. If you are not yet registered, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 and our Customer Care Professionals will be happy to get you set up.