Along with the fall rain and gloomier days comes an increased risk of those living and/or working in care homes contracting influenza. For the second year in a row, an industry campaign titled F.L.U.E., which stands for Friends/Family Lather Upon Entry, will promoted through BC Care Provider (BCCPA) members across the province.
BCCPA members are being provided with specially designed electrostat posters to display on all public entry/exit doors between now and the end of flu season.
“Something as simple as washing your hands can go a long way in preventing the transmission of influenza to a vulnerable population,” says Daniel Fontaine, CEO for the BCCPA. “Friends and family of seniors in care should always assume they are bringing the flu bug into the care home with them. By thoroughly washing their hands or sanitizing them when they enter and exit a care home, they can do their part in keeping our seniors healthy.”
“While I enthusiastically support this hand washing campaign,” says Dr. Perry Kendall, Provincial Health Officer, “I would also like to remind visitors to health care facilities that, because we want to protect the vulnerable, they are eligible for a free flu shot- and if they have not had one, they will be expected to wear a mask when visiting their loved ones during flu season.”
If you are a BCCPA Member, don’t forget to order your complimentary stickers!
CEO Discusses F.L.U.E. Campaign With CKNW.
Shortly after launching the F.L.U.E. campaign last year, CEO Daniel Fontaine joined former CKNW Talk Show Host Bill Good on the air to speak about the campaign. Catch the full segment below.
“People often think when they go to a care home they are going to catch something, but in reality they are often bringing in things [the flu] themselves.” – CEO Daniel Fontaine, BC Care Providers
Tips and Tricks For Preventing The Flu
BCCPA member care homes have protocols and training in place to prevent the spread of illnesses. These protocols can include recommendations such as thoroughly washing:
- Before and after direct patient contact
- After completing tasks at one patient station before moving to another station
- Before procedures, such as https://bccare.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/medcare-img22.jpgistering intravenous medications
- Before and after contact with vascular access
- Before and after dressing changes
- After contact with items/surfaces at patient stations
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) recommends the following hand washing steps to thoroughly rid your hands of potentially harmful germs.
- Wet your hands with warm water.
- Apply plain soap to your hands and rub together for 20 seconds (the length of time it takes to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Happy Birthday)
- Wash the front and back of your hands, as well as between your fingers and under your nails.
- Rinse your hands well for 10 seconds under warm running water, using a rubbing motion.
- Wipe and dry your hands gently with a paper towel or a clean towel. Drying them vigorously can damage the skin.
- Turn off the tap using the paper towel so that you do not re-contaminate your hands. When using a public bathroom, use the same paper towel to open the door when you leave.
As outlined by the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, all visitors are expected to have received their yearly vaccination against influenza or to wear a surgical mask when entering a care home.
Photo Gallery
Check out the pictures below of BCCPA members joining the F.L.U.E. campaign! Also, send us a picture of where you have placed your stickers at khirji@bccare.ca.
