I gathered some information from the CDC website and also from my professors. We start clinical rotation in the hospital tomorrow. We’ve been going through infection control measures this week.

The flu is a virus - antibiotics will have no effect in treating it.

The virus is spread through droplets that enter us through our nose, mouth, or eyes - mucous membranes.

The virus can travel 6 feet if someone sneezes or coughs in our direction.

The virus will live on surfaces for 2 - 8 hours but will be killed with a thorough cleaning with an alcohol based cleaner.

Someone with the flu, but hasn’t started feeling bad, can infect those around them for a full day and not even know it. They will still be contagious for 5 days after symptoms start, even if the symptoms are mild (for those of you who go to work when you don’t feel well.)

Some people can be carriers and pass the flu along to others without ever actually getting sick.

The reason the flu shot is recommended each year is because the virus mutates. Each year’s vaccine is based on a prediction of how the virus will mutate and what strains will be evident that year. Getting a vaccination each year protects us from many strains and keeps us protected if that particular strain comes along in the future.

The reason we are asked if we are allergic to eggs when we receive a flu vaccine is because the vaccine is developed inside chicken eggs and contains albumin.

The very best way to keep from getting the flu is to wash our hands and use alcohol based hand sanitizers. We can touch something that has been touched by a sick person and then bring our hands to our faces and get sick.

I hope this helps our members to stay well this flu season. For more information, log on to CDC.gov - they are the experts and the information there can be trusted.

As I get into my second semester of nursing school, I have to admit that I’m pretty excited and nervous at the same time. Our clinical experiences this semester will be at the hospital and we’ll be pretty hands-on with patients. I’ve learned so much, and I would like to share some of the pearls of knowledge that I have acquired from my professors. So, I plan to write a blog from time to time with tidbits of information that my fellow fabbers may or may not already know.

Here’s one that we all know already; handwashing is the very best way to prevent the spread of pathogens. And, it doesn’t really have to be an anti-bacterial soap, either. Just the action of soaping up, working up a good lather, getting at the nooks and crannies in our palms and between our fingers, and rinsing with lots of running water cause germs to stick to the soap bubbles and wash down the drain. Hand sanitizer is great for times when we‘re not near the sink, just make sure you keep rubbing it around until it dries for best results.

I know a lot of us are also on Facebook, but, when all is said and done, I really prefer the closeness over here. Through the years, I’ve met several of our members, exchanged Christmas cards, cried with members going through crisis, laughed with members experiencing joy, and felt something here that is lacking on the larger networking sites. For me, facebook is for connecting with some of my family, keeping in touch with my high school classmates, and keeping informed of some current events. But, for friendship, I like it here. I want to continue to thank Yana for keeping this site alive, putting her heart and soul into the development of it, and giving us a place to really be ourselves.

Well,it’s done. First Semester Nursing School. From what everyone says, this was the hardest semester. It was a writing intensive course, worth 9 credits, combined with a theory and ethics class for 1 credit and Pathophysiology for 3 credits. So, another 13 credits toward my degree is behind me. final grades were posted yesterday and I’m happy to report, I’m still an A student, woooohooooo!! I feel exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. Now it’s on to some serious fun for the next three and a half weeks.

I can’t believe I have 4 weeks left in my first semester of nursing school. This has been a very intense learning experience. they say the first semester is the hardest and that’s where they weed out those who won’t be able to make it. I’m carrying an A average so far  but it’s been a big time commitment.  

Has anyone else given thought to going back to school for a degree or to further your education? If so, what have you thought about?

Hey everyone! I know it seems like I’ve dropped off the face of the earth, again, which indicates that another semester has begun. Actually, I’m 1/3 of the way into my first semester of nursing school and it’s INTENSE! I try to pop in over here every morning just to see what’s happening, though. I hope everyone is doing well.

for anyone who is a long time member, post a blog and let us know how you‘re doing. And for all the new members, post a blog to let us get to know you.

Have a great weekend, everybody!