INFECTION CONTROL
Managing influenza outbreaks in aged-care facilities Leng Boonwaat*
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THE AUSTRALIAN HOSPITAL + HEALTHCARE BULLETIN
SPRING 2017
The flu season begins in May and ends around October with a peak occurring from July to September. Residents of aged-care facilities (ACF) are particularly vulnerable to influenza. Their closed communal environment makes it easy for flu to spread, and underlying diseases such as congestive heart failure, obstructive lung disease or kidney disease put them at risk of serious complications. Public Health Units play a key role in assisting ACFs in reducing the impact of flu outbreaks. hospitalhealth.com.au