Patient Screening: Nasopharyngeal
aspirate (NPA) Specimens for Viral Culture and Antigen Detection
Directions
on how to obtain a NPA
|
The test is indicated for any patient with bronchiolitis, pneumonia
including increasing oxygen requirement, sputum production or
flu like symptoms. Flu like symptoms include, fever, runny nose,
cough and body aches. |
|
Frequency
of Sending Antigen & Culture
|
An Influenza antigen & culture should be sent upon the onset
of symptoms. |
Indications for Isolation |
Any patient with bronchiolitis, pneumonia or flu like symptoms
(or if an antigen/culture for flu is sent) must be placed on Droplet Precautions |
Duration of Precautions for Suspected Cases |
If the patients Influenza A or B antigen is negative,
Droplet Precautions should continue for seven days from the onset
of symptoms, since there is a chance of a false negative antigen.
|
Duration
of Precautions for Confirmed Cases |
7 days from the onset of symptoms |
Patient
Placement
|
Private Room required for inpatients.
Patients
with similar symptoms may be placed in the same room.
If
the patient is in an outpatient waiting area, please have the
patient wear a surgical mask.
|
Droplet
Precautions
|
Gloves are required for contact with infective material.
Gowns and mask are required for contact with the patient.
All
protective attire must be removed before leaving the room
and hands must be washed.
Visitors must follow the precautions.
|
Visitation |
Visitors with flu like symptoms must not visit.
Children under 12 may not visit patients. (Children’s Center
visiting policy remains.)
Exceptions to the above will be granted only with permission from the nurse manager
and the attending physician. |
Employees
|
Employees who are febrile or have flu like
symptoms must stay home. If they become sick while at work
they must go to Occupational Health Services.
Employees
who have cold symptoms, such as a cough, and runny nose without
fever should wear a surgical mask during patient contact.
Oncology Staff
and their families should receive the Influenza vaccine yearly.
|
Vaccination |
Please contact
Occupational Health Services (OHS) at x5-6211 for vaccination schedule.
|
Treatment
|
Choice of Agents:
- 1st Choice - Amantadine
- 2nd Choice - Rimantadine
- 3rd Choice - Oseltamivir
Usual course 3-5 days for amantadine/rimantadine and 5 days for oeltamivir.
Oseltamivir to be used only if patient is intolerant of amantadine, rimantidine, or if influenza B
is suspected.
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