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| Clostridium difficile
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| Clostridium difficile, which causes diarrhea and may lead to serious bowel conditions such as colitis, is generally associated with the prolonged use of antibiotics in the elderly and others who have serious underlying diseases or conditions. The C.difficile bacteria are spread by touch, and they survive in the environment for long periods of time. One of the best defences against C.difficile is hand hygiene and a clean environment. |
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| Influenza and Avian Influenza
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| Influenza, which is preventable with a vaccine,
is a serious infection which can lead to hospitalization and, in the elderly
or weakened individual, possible death. In the normally healthy population it
may result in several days off work or school. In the past several years, several outbreaks
of avian influenza with the H1N1 virus have fueled fears about the possibility
of another pandemic influenza outbreak. |
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| Norovirus (aka
Norwalk) |
| Norovirus has been responsible for many outbreaks
in Ontario and across the country, closing
hospital emergency rooms and nursing homes.
It can also be devastating to the cruise industry.
Norovirus is the official
name for the group of viruses previously known
as "Norwalk-like viruses" or NLV.
They are also known as "small round structured
viruses" or SRSVs. Norovirus, which causes
sudden onset of diarrhea and/or vomiting,
is usually self-limiting but can cause severe
dehydration in the elderly. Once a person
is no longer having symptoms, they can still
pass on the virus to others for up to 48 hours.
The most important preventive measure is frequent
handwashing. |
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Outstanding care, always.
