Valley Nursing &

Rehabilitation Center

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You: Information, Treatment, and Prevention

August-Septemeber 2009

What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?
2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.

Why is 2009 H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

Are there human infections with 2009 H1N1 virus in the U.S.?
Yes. Human infections with the new  H1N1 virus are ongoing in the United States. Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment.
CDC routinely works with states to collect, compile and analyze information about influenza, and has done the same for the new H1N1 virus since the beginning of the outbreak.

How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against 2009 H1N1 virus.  However, a 2009 H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall. As always, a vaccine will be available to protect against seasonal influenza.
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol based hands cleanser.  The CDC recommends that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

Are there medicines to treat 2009 H1N1 infection?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.

 

Resident of the Month

August-September 2009

Gladys Drum is Valley’s August Resident of the Month.  Gladys is a resident on 100 hall.  She was born in

Alexander County but resided in Catawba County.  She retired from the textile industry.  In her leisure time she enjoys playing BINGO, reading her BIBLE, going to the beauty shop to “get pretty”, socializing at meal times in the main dining room, and visiting with her church family and friends. 

Charles Laxton is Valley’s September Resident of the Month.  Charles is a resident on 500 hall.  He was born in Hickory and resided in Caldwell County.  Charles was previously employed as a Mental Health Therapist and earned a Masters Degree in Counseling from Lenoir Rhyne College.  He and wife Elizabeth also breed Champion Shih-Tzus.  He has two children and four grandchildren.  In his leisure time Charles enjoys drawing (one of his pictures if shown above), listening to music, watching UNC Basketball, and spending time with his wife Elizabeth.   Charles currently holds a drawing class biweekly in the main dayroom on Thursday afternoons.  He would like to invite all to attend.  

Announcement about Medicare Part D

Please bring your loved one’s  Medicare Part D plan card to the business office at the time of admission or when the resident has signed up for a new plan. Meagan Lesley, Valley’s contact for Medicare Part D, will be working with our facility pharmacy to ensure that our residents have the appropriate coverage for medication needs and that families are not receiving unnecessary bills.  We are working diligently to make this program  user friendly.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact Meagan Lesley 828-632-8146 ext. 7121.

October 8, 09– visit to the County Fair

October 12, 09– J&S Cafeteria

October 22, 09– Pumpkin Carving 10am

October 30, 09– Halloween Howl 2pm (main dining room)

 

9/11 Memorial

On Friday, September 11^th, Valley Nursing Center residents held a candlelight vigil in remembrance of 9/11.  Valley’s Tone Chime Choir performed a patriotic concert and a video timeline was shown depicting the heart stopping events that devastated our nation on that tragic day September 11, 2001..  Special thanks to Brian Lackey- Bethlehem Fire and Rescue and John Hayes- Alexander County Sheriff’s Department, for attending the event and for their services to Alexander County.

Life Enrichment Director

Valley residents and staff welcome Brittany Ward to the Life Enrichment Department as it’s new director.  Brittany was born in and currently resides in Hickory.  She attended Western Piedmont Community College where she obtained an Associates Degree in recreation Therapy.

In her spare time she enjoys shopping, spending time with friends and family, and spoiling her toy Yorkie, Bella.

Valley Welcomes New Addition to Rehab Department

Vanessa Harris is the newest addition to our Rehabilitation Department.  Vanessa is from Taylorsville and brings fifteen years of experience to our rehab program.  She graduated from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in 94’ with an Associates Degree in Applied Science and is a licensed physical therapy assistant.   Vanessa has worked as a PTA in various health care settings including Home Health, skilled nursing, and outpatient rehab.  When she is not at Valley, you can usually find her at the ball field.  Vanessa has three daughters who are very involved in athletics. 

Grandparents Day Tea

A social was held on September 13, 2009 in honor of Grandparent’s Day.  Friends and family enjoyed spending time with their loved ones, listening to music, and light refreshments were served.  Family portraits were taken by Jennifer Roda. 

My Innerview Questionnaires

In September notification was mailed to all family members concerning the fact you would be receiving a detailed questionnaire from "My Innerview".  Please take the time to complete this interview and return in a timely manner. At Valley we strive to continue improving upon the services we render our residents and family members. It is only by your participation we can see from your perspective the areas we need to address and the areas we do well in. Several individuals have advised they would not be completing this assessment due to the fact they "didn't want to cause any problems". Please be assured we have no means of identifying who has completed the assessment and who has not.  Of course, we like to know what we do well, but we also want to know where we have opportunities for growth. This is the third year we have engaged this organization to do our family/resident assessments. This information gives us a birds eye view of how you rate our services.  Thank you for your participation.    Sandra Loftin, Administrator

581 NC Hwy 16 South

Taylorsville NC 28681

Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Happy Birthday To You!

August Birthdays:

 

Addie Carrigan 8/5

Lillie Baker 8/6

Christine Marshall 8/7

Harold Braswell 8/15

Alma Looper 8/15

Vivian Christy 8/19

Charles Laxton 8/22

Vera Lowe 8/25

Nelle Dagenhart 8/29

Louise Minton 8/29

Judith Savage 8/31

Mary Wagoner 8/31

 

 

 

 

 

September Birthdays:

 

Willis Pope 9/1

Ollie Bell Evans 9/4

Roger Johnson 9/5

Hayden Woodie 9/7

Betty Queen 9/14

Juanita Snow 9/20

Ethel Patrick 9/21

Madeline Brown 9/22

Edna Christmas 9/29

 

 

 

Valley Welcomes New Employees

Josephine Cooke– Registered Nurse-RN

Maria Denis- Registered Nurse-RN

Wanda Kerley– Registered Nurse-RN

Debra Smith– Registered Nurse– RN

Heather Taylor-Registered Nurse-RN

April Bartlett- Licensed Practical Nurse– LPN

Lora Grimmett– Licensed Practical Nurse– LPN

Lucy Mitchell- Licensed Practical Nurse– LPN

Henrietta Sabatelli– Licensed Practical Nurse– LPN

Janice Beckham- certified nursing assistant-CNA

Lillian Carlton- certified nursing assistant-CNA

Alicia Garnes- certified nursing assistant-CNA

Felicia Moser-certified nursing assistant-CNA

Mindy Pyatte- certified nursing assistant-CNA

Yasmari Russell– certified nursing assistant-CNA

Kathleen Sockman- certified nursing assistant-CNA

Jaclyn Westrich-certified nursing assistant-CNA

Cheryl Miller– Respiratory Therapist-RT

Vanessa Harris– Physical Therapy Assistant-PTA

Tine Roland– Housekeeping

David Fletcher– Laundry

 

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