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|Articles|January 18, 2013

JAMA Commentary Explores Common Arguments Against Influenza Vaccination

JAMA has posted a Viewpoint titled Influenza Prevention Update: Examining Common Arguments Against Influenza Vaccination. In this Viewpoint, Thomas R. Talbot, MD, MPH, and H. Keipp Talbot, MD, MPH, from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, say that with influenza intensifying, it is important to review essential interventions that prevent influenza transmission at home, at work, and in healthcare facilities. They provide perspective to some of the reasons why people refuse the flu vaccination. 

As Talbot, et al. note, "Several important actions should be performed by everyone to prevent the spread of this potentially deadly pathogen. Basic infection control practices such as regularly performing hand hygiene, observing respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette (cover your cough), and avoiding others and crowded areas when ill (social distancing) are important prevention methods for any contagious respiratory tract infection. Additional measures to limit transmission of influenza in healthcare settings are also essential. These include screening patients on arrival to assess for respiratory symptoms, placing a surgical mask on potentially infected individuals, using isolation precautions for those suspected of having or confirmed to have a respiratory tract infection, keeping infected patients away from other patients, and ensuring that visitors and healthcare personnel (HCP) do not visit or work while ill (ie, presenteeism).

To read further from JAMA, CLICK HERE.

Reference: Talbot TR and Talbot HK. Influenza Prevention Update: Examining Common Arguments Against Influenza Vaccination. JAMA. 2013;():1-2. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.453.

 

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