It would be wise to make sure your health care provider is not only keeping things real, but keeping things clean, also.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been keeping tabs on 26 health care workers infected with the H1N1 virus (heretofore known as the latest version of the "swine flu"), and it has been found that none of these 26 individuals was following CDC's recommended infection control practices.
The most important thing is identifying infectious patients as soon as possible, and thus avoiding the continued spread of infection, through isolation of the suspected infected one, or at least the strategic placement of a mask.
The CDC found that 50% of the 26 cases contracted the virus in the health care setting: Twelve cases occurred as the result of transmission from patients to health care providers, while one case was the result of transmission from one health care provider to another.
The CDC found concerning the fact that health care providers did not always use gloves, gowns, and a mask or N95 respirator. Only three said they always wore a mask or N95 respirator, five said they consistently wore gloves, and none admitted to using eye protection.
The CDC recommends that health care professionals remain home when ill; wash hands frequently, and use protective gear such as surgical masks, N95 respirators, gloves, surgical gowns, and eye protection.
At this point in time, the CDC data indicate that health care providers do not make up a large part of the reported cases of H1N1. But if this outbreak continues, health care providers must adhere to infection control recommendations, identify quickly potentially infectious patients, provide infection control equipment, and train staff in infection control practices.
We must all be vigilant, particularly as a new flu season is not far off. And we have to have trust in those in whom we entrust our health. Transmission of the H1N1 virus in this country is expected to continue throughout the summer, and likely increase in the fall.
A culture of wellness should welcome patients when they visit the offices of their health care providers. This culture grows from an awareness of self-health and disease prevention, which anticipates illness, and likewise expects the prevention of the same through sound medical practice and the adherence to scientific and professional guidelines.
