Measurable outcomes on Flu vaccine and employees and patients need for taking it

Answer

Measurable Outcomes on Flu Vaccine and Employees and Patients Need for taking it

Introduction

Flu is a contagious viral disease caused by influenza that affects the nose, mouth as well as lungs of an individual with devastating effects to those with chronic ailments or weak immune system. Some of the symptoms of flu include, fatigue, muscle or body aches, sore throat, cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, and some may experience vomiting as well as diarrhea (Flannery & Chung, 2016). Since its discovery in 1933, the number of infected individuals has been increasing but the Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not know the total number of infected individuals since the ailment is not reportable in some regions. However, previous studies have proved that if flu is not effectively managed it can lead to death. All the same, scientists and researchers have been able to generate a vaccine that controls the spread of flu. Owing to the advantages of the vaccine, healthcare systems have not only encouraged patients to take it but also healthcare workers.

Measurable Outcomes

Reduces illnesses

Flu vaccines have been proved to reduce the spread of the illness. A study done by CDC in 2018 indicated that every year, 5-20 percent of the total population gets infected by the illness with only 3 to 11 percent of the infected showing symptoms ("Key Facts About Influenza (Flu) | CDC", 2020). By virtue that the number of asymptomatic cases is high, it is relatively hard to determine its prevalence in a given society. The same studies indicated that children and the elderly who are above 65 years are more likely to acquire that ailment and since these individuals may have weak immune systems, the effects could be catastrophic. But if these individuals are vaccinated each year, the number of infections would drastically depreciate. In a similar case, if both patients and healthcare workers are vaccinated the chances of spreading the diseases reduce.

Reduces the Severity of the Illness

The effectiveness of the flu vaccine has been a question. A recent meta-analysis has established that has a 40-60 percent effectiveness of reducing its effects. Data collected by CDC in 2018 indicated that 59 percent of adults who were hospitalized with flu and received flu vaccination were not admitted to the ICU as compared to those who were not vaccinated ("Influenza Vaccination Information for Health Care Workers | CDC", 2020). The same studies also showed that 76 percent of those between 18-55 years who had received the vaccination recovered fully. By virtue that the virus has no cure, treating the ailment using unconventional medicine could be ineffective (Gaglani et al., 2016). This is because the virus posses multiple symptoms to the infected person hence making it hard to control its severity. With its potentiality of causing death from the severity of its symptoms, both patients and health care workers need to be vaccinated.

Preventative tool for Patients with Chronic Health Conditions

Other than controlling flu, the vaccine is effective in helping people with chronic ailments. Recent studies have proved that flu vaccination has been linked with lower rates of certain cardiac events among individuals with heart disease ("Vaccine Effectiveness: How Well Do the Flu Vaccines Work? | CDC", 2020). Similarly, the vaccine has reduced worsening as well as flu-related chronic lung disease especially to individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In connection to this, the vaccine has been associated with the reduction of hospitalization among patients with diabetes.

In conclusion, flu vaccination has significant advantages towards promoting the health of a patient such as, acting as a preventative tool for patients with chronic health conditions, reducing the severity of the flu, and preventing the spread of the ailment. Therefore it is essential for not only patients to be vaccinated but also healthcare workers.