Influenza in a geriatric unit

Abstract

Summary An outbreak of influenza A (resembling A/Victoria/3/75) occurred in 2 geriatric wards in February 1976 and, out of 19 patients, 3 died. Of the patients who were at risk, 30% were affected. Immunization for influenza in the elderly just before the winter is suggested. The procedure is simple and inexpensive. The recommendations of the DHSS (U.K.) for the use of influenza vaccine to practising doctors is, therefore, welcome. The suitable treatment appears to be that of repeated immunization with inactivated vaccine. Amantadine in the elderly population may also be effective, and is worthy of trial.

Guideline on the prevention and control of seasonal influenza in healthcare setting

“…The mortality of influenza occurring in medical institution is diverse according to the characteristics of the patients. The mortality is not high in infants without severe cardiovascular diseases, but the mortality of patients in general hospitals or long-term care hospitals was 16%, and especially, the mortality of intensive care unit patients, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients is reported up to 33% to 71% [ 15 , 16 , 18 - 20 ]. Therefore, infection control to reduce influenza and its outbreak within a medical institution is very important.…”

Guideline on the Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Setting

“…8 ized patients [9][10][11]. In a medical institution where an outbreak of influenza occurs, the attack rate increases to 0.7% to 20%, and it can increase to more than 30% in the ward where the outbreak occurred [11][12][13][14][15][16]. When an influenza outbreak occurs in a long-term care facility with many elderly patients, the attack rate can increase up to 70% [17].…”

“…The mortality is not high in infants without severe cardiovascular diseases, but the mortality of patients in general hospitals or long-term care hospitals was 16%, and especially, the mortality of intensive care unit patients, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients, or acquired immune def iciency syndrome patients is reported up to 33% to 71% [15,16,[18][19][20]. Therefore, infection control to reduce inf luenza and its outbreak within a medical institution is very important.…”