Download APP9NwanzeC - Environmental Public Health Today

By Chimfumnanya Nwanze, MPH Student
Walden University
PUBH 6165-2
Instructor: Dr Rebecca Heick.
Fall Quarter, 2009.
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To educate and equip pregnant women on
the effects of the pandemic flu and how they
can prevent and/or take care of themselves
during the flu season.
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Flu refers to illnesses caused by a number of
different influenza viruses. Flu can cause a
range of symptoms and effects, from mild to
deadly.
The three common strains of flu are: the
seasonal flu virus, the H1N1 (commonly
known as swine flu) and the H5N1 (avian or
bird) flu.
(Reference: Flu.gov (2009a). About the flu. Retrieved October 18, 2009 from
http://pandemicflu.gov/individualfamily/about/)
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From person to person
From person to an object
Sharing personal belongings with infected
persons e.g. eating utensils
(Reference:) CDC (2009, September 30). How flu spreads. Retrieved October 18, 2009 from
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm
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Fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy
nose, headaches, body aches, chills and
fatigue.
Vomiting, diarrhea
Eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory
diseases (e.g. acute respiratory distress), and
other severe and life-threatening
complications.
References:
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Flu.gov (2009b). Flu symptoms. Retrieved October 18, 2009 from
http://pandemicflu.gov/individualfamily/about/symptoms/index.html
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Flu.gov (2009c). H5N1 (Bird flu). Retrieved October 19, 2009 from
http://pandemicflu.gov/individualfamily/about/h5n1/index.html
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Increased heart rate
Increased stroke volume
Increased oxygen consumption and
Decreased lung capacity
Vulnerability to pathogens due to
immunologic changes during pregnancy
(Reference: Rasmussen, S, Jamieson, D, & Bresee, J. (2008). Pandemic influenza and pregnant women.
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 14(1), retrieved October 17, 2009 from
http://www.cdc.gov/EID/content/14/1/pdfs/95.pdf )
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Increased risk for birth defects - cleft lip with
or without cleft palate, and neural tube and
congenital heart defects.
Childhood leukemia, schizophrenia, and
Parkinson’s disease
Hyperthermia is associated with an increased
risk for neural tube defects
(Reference: Rasmussen, S, Jamieson, D, & Bresee, J. (2008). Pandemic influenza and pregnant women.
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 14(1), retrieved October 17, 2009 from
http://www.cdc.gov/EID/content/14/1/pdfs/95.pdf )
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Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing
or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue in the trash after
use.
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially
after coughing or sneezing or use alcohol-based
hand sanitizers.
Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Heed public health advice such as avoiding crowds
and social gatherings.
(Reference: Flu.gov (2009d). Prevention and treatment. Retrieved October 19, 2009 from
http://pandemicflu.gov/individualfamily/prevention/index.html)
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Vaccines
Antiviral medications – such as Oseltamivir
[oral] (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir [inhaler]
(Relenza).
Antibiotics to prevent bacterial pneumonia
and antipyretic medications to reduce fevers.
(Reference: Rasmussen, S, Jamieson, D, & Bresee, J. (2008). Pandemic influenza and pregnant women.
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 14(1), retrieved October 17, 2009 from
http://www.cdc.gov/EID/content/14/1/pdfs/95.pdf )
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Pregnant women should be of top priority
during flu seasons
The use of anti-fever medications should be
used by pregnant women who get sick
Set up strategies and plans to educate and
rapidly assess pregnant women during the flu
season
Plan of care & interventions to ensure the
safety of pregnant women and their fetuses.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to
give this presentation. Are there any
questions?
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CDC (2009, September 30). How flu spreads. Retrieved October 18,
2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm
Flu.gov (2009a). About the flu. Retrieved October 18, 2009 from
http://pandemicflu.gov/individualfamily/about/)
Flu.gov (2009b). Flu symptoms. Retrieved October 18, 2009 from
http://pandemicflu.gov/individualfamily/about/symptoms/index.ht
ml
Flu.gov (2009c). H5N1 (Bird flu). Retrieved October 19, 2009 from
http://pandemicflu.gov/individualfamily/about/h5n1/index.html
Flu.gov (2009d). Prevention and treatment. Retrieved October 19,
2009 from
http://pandemicflu.gov/individualfamily/prevention/index.html
Rasmussen, S, Jamieson, D, & Bresee, J. (2008). Pandemic influenza
and pregnant women. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 14(1), retrieved
October 17, 2009 from
http://www.cdc.gov/EID/content/14/1/pdfs/95.pdf