January 5, 2024
Dear Residents and Families:
We have declared an Influenza A outbreak in the 300 wing on Center station. Two residents’ viral swabs have come back positive. We also have three residents presenting with symptoms that we are awaiting swab results. All residents on 300 wing will be started on Tamiflu (antivirus medication). Residents that are positive will also be started on the anti-viral medication.
SEE INFO BELOW
The residents on the 300 wing are required to remain on the wing and will be having meals on the wing starting at supper today. All Residents must remain in the 300 wing but are not restricted to their rooms unless on isolation. Those visiting Residents who have tested positive or are on additional precautions should consult with Nursing staff about PPE and other precautions.
Group activities on 300 wing remain suspended until the outbreak can be declared resolved.
We encourage all family and other visitors still wear a mask during their entire visit, sanitize their hands before and after visiting and not come for a visit if feeling ill.
This latest outbreak reinforces the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations.
A big thank you also to all staff at Bethania for their outstanding care, infection control practices and support during this outbreak.
Please keep our Residents and Staff in your thoughts and prayers.
Gary J. Ledoux
CEO, The Bethania Group
Doris Furtado RN, GNC (C)
Director of Care
INFORMATION ABOUT Tamiflu™ (also known as Oseltamivir)
1. What is Tamiflu™?
Tamiflu™ is a prescription medication which has been shown to be about 80% effective in preventing influenza. It is the only medication known which will prevent influenza outbreaks caused by influenza B or influenza A resistant to another drug used for prevention, amantadine.
It has also been shown to be effective in reducing the length of symptoms and complications following infection with influenza. It is a capsule taken by mouth.
2. What are the side effects of Tamiflu™?
Tamiflu™ does not usually cause many side effects. The most common side- effects are nausea and vomiting and diarrhea in 4 – 6% of people. These do not last long and usually occur with the first dose. Taking Tamiflu™ with food may reduce these side effects. More serious reactions have been reported but the drug has not been proven to be the cause.
3. Does Tamiflu™ interact with other medications?
Existing information does not indicate that there are any clinically important interactions with other medications.
4. How long will Tamiflu™ be given?
Tamiflu™ is usually given for about 10 days, the average time that an influenza outbreak lasts.
5. What happens if a person develops influenza when taking Tamiflu™?
Since Tamiflu™ can reduce the length of symptoms and complications, it will be given at a higher treatment dose for 5 days and then stopped.
6. Do residents/patients have to take Tamiflu™?
No. If a decision is made not to receive Tamiflu™, no changes will be made to any care or treatments already in place.
7. Is there a cost?
No, in this situation only, the medication is provided at no charge.
8. Who should not take Tamiflu™?
Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to Tamiflu™. Persons with severe kidney disease (check with the doctor prescribing Tamiflu™). Persons who are pregnant may become pregnant or are breast-feeding.