(Editor’s Note: As a continued part of our Health and Emergency Management series, our Dallas expert Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member and correspondent, Jean Davis, remits this very important and timely article on preparing for the  back-to-school and flu/pneumonia seasons.  We know it may appear a bit early but this next month will fly by.  As we go to publish, did you know there is a huge outbreak of the whooping-cough  in California?    Health officials say 2010 is shaping up to be a “peak” year for pertussis, aka whooping-cough. The highly contagious disease can be deadly in infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.)

Back to School/Work/Gym Preparedness

by Jean Davis

It doesn’t seem like it, but summer is almost over, and for nearly everyone household that means getting ready for school. (Even sans school-aged children, there will still be school zones, school buses, traffic, and longer lines at the stores for those buying school supplies.) The wait times at doctors’  offices and clinics will also lengthen as the kiddie troops march in for their immunization shots .   Managing your life around this back-to-school rite of passage requires Project Management – so we’ll help you plan ahead!

Immunizations

For Children: Scheduled Vaccinations

Immunizations are a priority. Check with your child’s pediatrician or school (most have online requirement information readily available)  to determine if your child is on schedule with his/her vaccinations.  Getting immunized early can bring peace of mind in the future – especially if shortages begin to occur.

In the past several  years, a majority of back-to-school programs are also offering free vaccinations. This is usually done on a first-come/first served basis.  Plan accordingly.

For Flu and Pneumonia Prevention

Aside from the normal childhood immunizations, one should take advantage of the flu and pneumonia vaccinations as soon as they become  available.  These latter vaccinations are now easily (often free) and conveniently available at your local super market, Costco or Walmart.  One can walk in, acquire the vaccination and obtain receipts and proof-of-vaccination within 20 -3 0 minutes.

For the Elderly

Immunizations are provided by numerous agencies for the elderly, handicapped, and those with respiratory conditions. Check with AARP and your doctor or clinic.

At Work

Check with your employer as many workplaces offer “Get Vaccinated” days.

For the Athlete

If someone is involved in athletics, there may be other requirements – such as screening for steroid use, MRSA or CAMRSA.

CAMRSA Prevention

The spread of skin MRSA infections occurs most frequently through close, skin-to-skin contact (such as that found in contact sports), through contact with skin wounds (cuts, abrasions) and through contact with contaminated items, where staph can survive for 24 hours or more. The organisms can enter healthy, intact skin. Crowded living conditions and poor hygiene are factors which play a role in its spread. Currently, the only known means of prevention is through the following:

• Prudent hygiene measures involving hand washing
• Proper wound care, including proper disposal of bandages, and
• Avoidance of sharing certain personal items such as towels and razors. Shared exercise equipment should be wiped down between users.

For more information on the various forms of MRSA, the risk factors involved and prevention advice, visit Centers for Disease Control.

CAMRSA has been identified most frequently among specific populations, including prisoners, athletes, children, men who have sex with men, military recruits, Pacific Islanders, Alaskan Natives and Native Americans. The articles seem to include those who have taken antibiotics within the last 6-9 months, have had any respiratory condition like pneumonia, or have had any recent invasive surgery procedures.

Poll Results for  7/26/2010:  WHAT IS YOUR FAMILY’S PLAN IN CASE  OF AN EMERGENCY?

12.5% – Totally taken care of

18.75% – Run next door to my cop/firefighter/EMT neighbor screaming for help

62.5% – Do what this article says

6% – Other

I am very glad to see this kind of response. It tells me either I made some sort of positive impression and hopefully,  many of you are getting prepared for emergencies. Thank you!  ~ Jean

BNI Operatives: Street smart; web savvy; emergency response trained!

As always, stay safe.

Filed under: Emergency Information, Health Information Tagged: | back-to-school, cert, clinic, cmrsa, costco, doctor, emergency, fly, immunization, influenza, mrsa, pneumonia, vaccination, walmart