1. Influenza: What You Need To Know To protect patients, your co-workers, your family, and yourself
Craig Conlon MD, PhD, Employee Health Services Northern California
Michael Allerton, MS, Practice Leader: Infectious Diseases, The Permanente Medical Group
Flu Season

2. Influenza What do we know? Highly infectious viral illness
First Pandemic in 1580
At least three pandemics in the 20th century
Virus first isolated in 1933
Flu associated deaths range from 3,000 to 49,000 per year
Most people think the influenza is no big deal – until they get sick with flu.
April 12, 2019
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3. Influenza virus strains
Type A
Moderate to severe illness
All age groups
Humans and other animals affected
Type B
Milder disease
Primarily affects children
Humans only
Type C
Rarely reported in humans
No epidemics
April 12, 2019
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4. 1918-1919 influenza pandemic Known as the Spanish Flu
Estimated 21 million deaths worldwide
500,000 deaths in the U.S.
April 12, 2019
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5. Hong Kong Flu hit the U.S. in December of 1968
1957 – 1958 Pandemic
Almost 70,000 deaths
Hong Kong Flu hit the U.S. in December of 1968
Approximately 33,800 people died in the U.S.
Flu symptoms lasted 4-5 days.
Adults over the age of 65 were the most likely to die.
Because of previous immunization, fewer people died from this pandemic.
Pandemic gained momentum during December school break
Improved medical support for victims
Antibiotics available for secondary bacterial infections
April 12, 2019
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6. Impact of flu in the United States during a pandemic…
200 million people in the USA could be affected
Up to 40 million people in the USA could require outpatient visits
Up to 700,000 hospitalized
Business activity and the economy could be affected as workers stay home ill.
Medical systems could be overwhelmed with shortages in staff and supplies.
April 12, 2019
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7. Timing of Influenza Vaccine Programs
Influenza activity can occur as early as October.
In more than 80% of seasons since 1976, peak influenza activity has not occurred until January or later.
In more than 60% of seasons the peak was in February or later.
April 12, 2019
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8. Percent of positive flu tests demonstrating influenza activity
April 12, 2019
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9. Influenza vaccination for Kaiser Permanente workers
Educate about the benefits of vaccination for themselves, their families and their patients.
Realize that this is a quality of care issue and that unvaccinated employees are a risk to our patients.
Move current vaccination rate from 88% to 95% for all employees and physicians.
April 12, 2019
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10. What can you do?…Get vaccinated!
Work with Employee Health Services to ensure that vaccine is available to all employees and physicians working all shifts.
Educate all leaders on employee/physician flu program requirements.
Enforce the flu sticker program including the masking program for those who decline immunization.
April 12, 2019
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11. Questions? Craig Conlon MD, PhD (510) 987-3363 Craig.X.Conlon@kp.org
April 12, 2019
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