Nursing Avian Flu

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of nursing and an impending pandemic. Specifically it refers to avian influenza (bird flu) and the impact of a pandemic on nursing practice, present and future, along with the nursing role in influencing the issue.

From the Paper:

"One of the problems with diagnosing avian flu are the signs and symptoms, because they so closely resemble the signs of other flu strains or the common cold. Typical symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, malaise, nonproductive cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Symptoms such as these should be taken seriously if they are diagnosed, especially in anyone who regularly has contact with poultry or other birds. Another problem with diagnosis is that the disease can incubate in the victim for up to four days, making it difficult to determine just when and where the infection occurred. Victims can also infect others even after symptoms of the disease disappear, which is another problem with diagnosis and prevention. The disease is most deadly to senior citizens over 65, young children, and individuals with underlying health problems, such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions. Symptoms usually dissipate in seven days, but the cough can last in many individuals for two weeks or more. Currently, influenza deaths in the United States average about 36,000 per year ("Avian," 2006.) Since there have not been any cases of the virus in birds in the United States, many people might ignore the symptoms if they occur, but with world travel so easy and quick today, infection could easily come from travelers returning from a trip to Asia or the Middle East. Thus, healthcare professionals should always be aware and on the lookout for these symptoms in any of their patients. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Editors. (2006). Avian influenza. Retrieved from the CDC.gov Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/current.htm 21 April 2006.
• Editors. (2006). Pandemic flu. Retrieved from the Department of Health and Human Services Web site: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/ 21 April 2006.
• Gips, M. A. (2006, January). Deadly flu, or Chicken Little syndrome? Security Management, 50, 22+.
• Imperato, P. J. (2005). The growing challenge of avian influenza. Journal of Community Health, 30(5), 327+.
• Starr, P. (2005, November). Slouching toward disaster. The American Prospect, 16, 3.

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