Dear Families of Brookdale Residents and Friends:

The swine flu caused by a novel H1N1 virus has been a growing concern since the first cases were identified in April of this year in Mexico.  The World Health Organization has now declared a global pandemic, as the disease has been reported from many countries around the world. 

Important to understand is that a pandemic does not necessarily reflect the aggressiveness of the disease, but the high number of cases reported.  We now know that this virus can spread quite easily by person-to-person transmission.  Fortunately, in most cases, swine flu has been relatively mild and most afflicted persons have recovered without complications. 

Interestingly, older adults born before 1957 may have a lower risk of contracting swine flu than younger persons since a similar virus circulated around that time that may confer some immunity.  However, the recent pandemic has been associated with some highly publicized cases of serious adverse events and even some deaths, especially in pregnant women, children, and young adults. 

What we all need to appreciate is that seasonal flu annually results in over 200,000 hospitalizations and thousands of deaths.  As the coming flu season approaches, I would like to share what we at Brookdale are doing to attempt to keep our residents and staffs as safe as possible from both the seasonal flu and this novel H1N1 virus.

The most important single measure for our residents and staff to reduce their risk of seasonal flu is to get the flu shot.  Getting the flu shot substantially reduces the risk of getting the flu, but may also significantly reduce the risk of complications if a person still contracts the flu.  Brookdale has partnered with Walgreen’s to ensure that every staff member receives the flu shot free of charge. Our residents will be offered the flu shot at our community flu clinics.  The flu shot is prepared from inactivated viruses, so one cannot get the flu from the shot. 

The swine flu vaccine will likely become available in mid-October and will be distributed through each state’s department of health.  However, since production may take some time and we may not have enough doses initially to immunize the entire population, the vaccine will be given first to high risk groups such as pregnant women, children, and health care workers.  Since older adults have less risk of contracting swine flu, they will likely receive the vaccine later in the season.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of basic hygiene practices.  We have posted signs at the entrances of all our buildings that no one with flu-like symptoms should enter the building.  In addition, if a member of our staff begins to experience flu symptoms, they have been instructed to go home, notify their supervisor, and not return to work for at least one week or until fever has resolved, whichever is longer. 

Hand sanitizers have been placed at the entrances to all buildings and visitors instructed to use them before entering.  Hand sanitizers are also present throughout the building.  Frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds is very effective.  Persons who cough or sneeze should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue, discard it, and then wash their hands.  Touching the eyes, nose, and mouth should be avoided.

I am also in contact with the local medical directors of our communities.  They have an important role not only in the education of our residents and staff, but in ensuring that we are well-prepared for the coming flu season.

Best wishes,

Kevin W. O’Neil, MD, FACP
Medical Director
Brookdale Senior Living

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