Epidemiology in Public and Global Health

Epidemiology in Public and Global Health
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Epidemiology in Public and Global Health
Epidemiologic surveillance is an integral element in epidemiology. It is the ongoing methodical gathering, recording, analysis, interpretation, as well as distribution of data that reflects the present health status of a given population or community (Coomer, 2014). Using information from a recent article, the purpose of this paper is to describe an outbreak of an infectious or communicable disease, the relationship amongst causal agents, susceptible persons, and environmental factors, as well as the role of the BSN nurse in addressing the outbreak and the possible health/health protection strategies that could be implemented to mitigate the outbreak.
Article summary
The article provides an updated framework that could be utilized for influenza pandemic planning. The framework also acts as recommendations for risk assessment, decision-making, as well as action in America. The updated framework outlines 6 intervals which are: investigation of new influenza cases; recognition of increased potential for ongoing transmission; commencement of a pandemic wave; acceleration of a pandemic wave; deceleration of a pandemic wave; and preparation for future pandemic waves (Holloway et al., 2014). Influenza, commonly referred to as flu, is very infectious and is commonly spread through the sneezes and coughs of an infected individual. A person could also get influenza from a person who is infected by touching them, for instance when shaking hands. The influenza virus epidemics cause roughly 3-5 million cases of severe illness and nearly 500,000 deaths globally. The seasons of influenza are unpredictable and could be severe. Influenza could result in mild to severe illness, and sometimes could cause death (Holloway et al., 2014).
Causal agents: Influenza virus infection is a global public health burden thanks to the significant mortality and morbidity that are brought about by seasonal outbreaks and devastating epidemics. The causative agent for influenza is influenza virus Type A, Type B, and Type C. However, the influenza B and A viruses, 2 members of the Orthomyxoviridae family, are the main causes of this serious viral respiratory illness (Patterson et al., 2015). Susceptible persons: individuals who are at high risk for getting complications related to influenza include residents of long-term care facilities for instance nursing homes; women who are pregnant and women up to 14 days post partum; senior citizens aged 65 and above; and kids under five years of age, particularly those who are less than two years (Houle, Collins & Schmeiser, 2015). A person is also susceptible if he or she has a chest problem for instance bronchitis or asthma, is taking steroids, has a kidney disease, has a cardiovascular or heart disease, suffers from diabetes, has a long-lasting illness such as HIV/AIDS that could greatly reduce a person’s immune system, and if a person is undergoing cancer treatment (Patterson et al., 2015). Environmental factors: persons who work or dwell in places that are densely populated with close interpersonal contact are also at a higher risk of catching the influenza virus. Some of these types of places are as follows: office buildings, college dormitories, military barracks, childcare facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals (Patterson et al., 2015). In temperate climates, Houle, Collins and Schmeiser (2015) reported that seasonal epidemics of the flu virus usually crop up during the winter period, while in tropical regions it may arise all through the year, leading to much more irregular flu outbreaks.
Importance/function of epidemiology in public and global health: epidemiology is seen as the key scientific foundation of public health practice. As the study of the health of human populations, epidemiology has several major functions which include the following. (i) To discover the host, agent, as well as environmental factors which affect health to provide the scientific base for preventing injury and illness, and promote health. (ii) To establish the comparative significance of causes of disability, disease and death to determine priorities for research as well as action. (iii) To identify segments of th...