human factors

Question 1

Define sporadic.

Answer 1

occurs infrequently and irregularly

Question 2

Define endemic

Answer 2

constant presence and/or usual prevalence of a disease or infectious agent in a population within a geographic area

Question 3

Define hyperendemic

Answer 3

refers to persistent, high levels of disease ocurrence

Question 4

Define epidemic

Answer 4

refers to an increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in that area.

Question 5

Define pandemic

Answer 5

refers to an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people

Question 6

Define outbreak

Answer 6

carries the same definition of epidemic, but is often used for a more limited geographic area.

Question 7

how is influenza transmitted?

Answer 7

• respiratory route (droplets, coughing, sneezing)
• direct human contact
• contact with contaminated solid objects
• contact of the face with contaminated hands

Question 8

what do anti-virals do in a pandemic?

Answer 8

• early treatment reduces time to symptom by 1/2 to 1 day
• need for subsequent antibiotics reduced by 60%
• 50-80% of prophylaxis effective if given in 48 hours

Question 9

how are hospital services managed in a pandemic?

Answer 9

• promotion of flu jab
• emergency planning
• provision of PPE, anti-virals and antibiotics
• infection control
• cohort nursing
• cancellation of electives and routine appointments