Covid 19 and Other Infectious Diseases

The Covid 19 pandemic has been with us for over two years. Early actions to control the spread of the disease were effective in stemming the tide. The results were generally good, with deaths and hospitalization certainly less than they would have otherwise been.

But risks remain. Covid variants continue to have effect while vaccination renewals to combat them are becoming available. At this date in late 2022, the rate of infections among seniors and other at-risk continues to decline while infections and exposures remain especially among unvaccinated populations. Vaccination rates among health care workers remain inexplicably low. The use of masks generally declined as the population showed signs of pandemic fatigue.

1. 1. Simple processes work—
      a) Wearing the right kind of mask in the right way in exposure areas.
      b) Discipline in hand washing with particular reference to before and after doing anything likely to facilitate the spread of disease to the respiratory system.
      c) Exercising care and common sense is a wise strategy in crowded areas or closed-in spaces with inadequate ventilation.
      d) Social distancing remains appropriate in many instances.
      e) Current vaccinations continue to be the best strategy for deterrence.
   2. Surface contamination has proven to be not as high a risk factor as originally feared. While surfaces in living and treatment areas should be kept clean, excessive sanitation of packaging and normal surfaces in the home is likely to yield little benefit.
   3. The spread of some other diseases and ailments has plummeted. The incidence of serious illness from the flu and the common cold became almost undetectable in some populations. This tells us that the simple methods described above and perhaps a higher proclivity to become vaccinated against the flu all had dramatic results.
   4. THE SAFEST PLACE IS STILL AT HOME. Those who remain away from other people fare better than those in institutions or those who are frequently out among the public. At the same time, isolation proves to be dangerous to many of those who are confined. Efforts must be made to maintain relationships and contact with confined people while minimizing exposure to disease.

1. Require masks of Vador personnel while with patients. We continue to encourage the use of masks in crowded public venues at all times
2. Continue to emphasize the washing of hands and the use of sanitizer in accordance with CDC guidelines.
3. Emphasize the process of social distancing among all personnel even when not at work or caring for patients. We remain committed to the training of personnel to be wary of inappropriate close contact in crowds or other public venues.
4. Tailor our care to make staying at home or otherwise in a non-public environment as pleasant as possible. We recognize the impact on immune response and general health of those entrusted to our care.
5. Monitor closely developments regarding protection from Covid 19 and other diseases. We maintain current protocols following the latest CDC or other regulatory guidelines.
6. Continue to require and advocate testing for staff. We remain committed to testing when exposure is expected.
7. Continue the direct Vador approach to vaccination. We require vaccinations of personnel who deal with patients While we understand the sentiment of some of the population, we recognize the science of the matter and the unquestionable data surrounding vaccinations. We will not expose our patients to infection from a Vador associate or others who do not understand the ethical obligation possessed by all of us to protest those around us.

1. Communicate with those who are confined and not able to be out in public or visit family. Do what you can to ease the burden of isolation. Understand the effect of isolation strives to lessen its impact.
2. Be wary of risk and exposure from health care workers and others. If your loved one is in a nursing home or adult living facility, inquire about vaccination rates and testing protocols. Exercise your authority to ensure that your loved ones are accompanied when out of the home with particular reference to health care facilities (physicians’ offices, therapy locations, dialysis facilities, etc.) Don’t tolerate permissive bad behavior that can affect those whose immune systems are compromised or not as robust as they once were.
3. Stay abreast of changes in prevention protocol. Ask a Vador representative if you have any questions about our process or advisable steps that may be taken based on the most recent developments.