What Nurses Need to Know About the Flu

Every year, the flu season brings a flurry of activity and concern. Nurses must know the latest flu facts, from emerging strains to changing guidelines for the most effective treatment. The online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) can help nurses learn and educate patients about flu activity and prevention.

How Widespread Are Flu Illnesses?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in an average year, the flu virus infects 5%-20% of the U.S. population. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized for related complications.

The 2021-2022 season showed lower flu activity than usual, likely due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Flu activity in the United States is typically highest in February, but “during the 2021–22 season, influenza activity began to increase in November and remained elevated until mid-June.” While “influenza activity is decreasing and circulation during summer is typically low, remaining vigilant for influenza infections, performing testing for seasonal influenza viruses, and monitoring for novel influenza A virus infections are important.” For the 2021-2022 flu season, the CDC reported the following estimations:

• 8 million to 13 million patients with symptomatic illness
• 7 million to 6.1 million medical visits
• 82 thousand to 170 thousand hospitalizations
• 5 thousand to 14 thousand deaths

What Changes Each Flu Season?

Besides variations in the number of people affected by the flu each year, several other changes can also occur as the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) update guidelines and recommendations.

• Updated vaccines. Vaccines are updated annually to match the viruses likely to circulate. While there are generally four types of influenza — A, B, C, and D — types A and B are the most widespread. For the 2022-2023 season, Type A flu is expected to be the most prevalent, and the FDA approved alterations to Type A and B vaccine components.
• Recommended age guidelines. Recommended age guidelines may shift as new influenza vaccines enter the market. For example, the Flucelvax Quadrivalent vaccine received approval for children six months and older. Previously, children two years and older could receive the vaccine. As for patients 65 years and older, the FDA recommends the Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu, and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccines.
• Altered dose guidelines. Dosing changes are essential updates to consider. In previous years, children could receive pre-filled Afluria Quadrivalent flu, but this is no longer an option for the 2022-2023 season. Instead, children can receive the recommended dose from a multidose vial.

What Preventive Strategies Should Nurses Use?

Nurses play a vital role in caring for patients with flu-related symptoms. However, nurses’ work preventing the spread of the virus and educating patients about vaccinations and self-care is even more critical.

Strategies to prevent the spread of influenza include:

• Vaccinations. The flu shot is one of the most effective ways to prevent influenza. Currently, the CDC recommends flu vaccinations for all healthcare employees, patients aged six months and older, and residents of long-term care facilities. Take the time to discuss the benefits and risks of the flu shot with your patients and encourage them to share any concerns. Unless contraindicated, you should also receive the flu shot annually. It is usually offered for free by healthcare employers.
• Hand hygiene. The flu virus spreads via droplets that go airborne when infected persons talk, sneeze, or cough, leading to inhalation by others or contamination of surfaces. Therefore, practicing hand hygiene is imperative. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good option when access to soap and water is limited. Discuss the importance of frequent handwashing with patients, caregivers, and visitors.
• Additional precautions. There are plenty of other ways nurses can discourage the spread of the flu virus through their actions and those of patients:
  • Stay home and avoid contact with the public, if possible, until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without using medication.
  • Frequently disinfect commonly touched surfaces (cell phones, door handles, computer keyboards, etc.).
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Stay Informed

Nurses regularly encounter and care for patients with flu-like symptoms, so it is wise to understand how the virus spreads and the current treatment guidelines. In addition, courses in the online RN to BSN program at UMFK, such as Promoting Health Communities, can prepare nursing professionals to help their communities adopt these practices and achieve health goals. By staying up to date on the latest information, you can better protect yourself, your patients, and the community.

Learn more about the University of Maine at Fort Kent online RN to BSN program.

Sources:

• CDC: Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings
• CDC: Influenza Activity and Composition of the 2022–23 Influenza Vaccine — United States, 2021–22 Season
• CDC: Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2022-2023 Season
• CDC: Influenza (Flu) Preventive Actions
• CDC: Flu Vaccines are Important for Children
• CDC: Influenza (Flu) Treatment: What You Need to Know