Our local hospital, UnityPoint Health–Grinnell, has notified The Mayflower Community that there has been a significant increase in the number of cases of pneumonia in this area. (This may also be the case wherever you live.) According to the American Lung Association (ALA), “Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs that causes coughing, fever, and trouble breathing. The cause can be a bacteria or virus. Treatment depends on the type of pneumonia, but often includes an antibiotic. An otherwise healthy person will likely feel back-to-normal within a week.”
Prevention is critical. Jacki Hicklin, RN, Mayflower’s Assistant Director of Nursing, provides these precautions by way of the Centers for Disease Control: Wash hands frequently. Get plenty of rest. Drink extra liquids. Stay away from sick people. If you are sick, stay away from others. In addition, you can prevent respiratory infections by:
- Cleaning surfaces that are frequently touched.
- Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into your elbow/sleeve.
- Limiting contact with cigarette smoke or quitting cigarettes.
- Managing ongoing medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease).
How about a vaccination? Pneumonia vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) are available and aid in the prevention of pneumonia. If you are unsure if you are up to date on your pneumococcal vaccines, speak with your physician.
At the direction of Administrator Kellie McGriff, Mayflower has implemented the following prevention steps:
- All campus infection control stations are fully stocked with hand sanitizer, tissues, masks, and gloves.
- Our Housekeeping staff will perform additional daily common space cleaning and disinfecting.
- Pneumonia information has been sent to all residents who have available e-mail addresses and has been posted around campus.
- All nursing staff (Health Center and Beebe Assisted Living) have copies of the ALA information form, “Pneumonia: Recovery at Home.”
- All reported cases of pneumonia—both independent living and healthcare residents—will be tracked for reporting to Grinnell Regional Public Health.
– Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director
