The Methods Used to Stop The Flu Virus in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Flu virus is a disease that is found globally. Identify a city within a country, then describe interventions that could take place in that city for this problem across the 3 levels of preventive interventions (primary, secondary, tertiary) (1250-word maximum)

Africa is a nation that suffers from flu a lot, which is why I decided to focus on Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The first step in this preventive intervention is primary where we try to preventing or avoiding the flu before it happens. This means providing an influenza (flu) vaccine to citizens of Bulawayo, with main focus on individuals incapable of health care access. These vaccines will be provided all around the year because of the seasons in Zimbabwe. It can also be provided at work, and schools. When vaccination rates are high then the transmission rates are low therefore this strategy needs to be emphasized. Having classes that push on knowledge of respiratory hygiene as well as coughing etiquettes is also important to sustain health. These classes could be conducted by organizations whose goals are to help the public. In clinics and hospitals precautions must be taken to avoid contaminations, as these institutions follow infection control procedures and policies.

Secondary intervention focuses on screening and early diagnosis of the flu. When patients come in sickstaff should always be prepared by taking preventive actions. These staffs must have patients name the symptoms they are facing and ask whoever came with them the same question. Family members, friends, professionals must push for patients to visit hospitals and clinics when they feel sick or notice similar symptoms within a household. The government can have organizations created around severely poor areas of Bulawayo that aim at informing citizens of symptoms of flu and provide them with immediate access to the health system. Commercials are also a great way to advertise the importance of seeing a doctor and ways for individuals to identify their symptoms.

Tertiary intervention aims at preventing the disease from progressing after they have been identified as having flu. Push for the patient to follow hygiene procedures as well as coughing etiquette. This includes having pictures and signs all around the hospital, clinics, and in brochures telling the patient instructions to follow. These instructions focus on the correct hygiene procedures and etiquettes. In the United States there are hand sanitizers at every educational institution, medical centers, transportation systems and some work places. This same option can be implemented in Bulawayo institutions. During visitation medical centers can have hygienic supplies for patients to utilize as they wait to see a doctor. They can also provide patients with knowledge on the flu and that they must stay away from others not to spread their symptoms. Lastly the Country can have hospitals have areas separating patients with flu from the other patients, while professionals advocate for separations in households and work field. During times of outbreaks these medical centers can control visitations, prohibiting the flu from spreading and push for patients to take antiviral drugs when prescribed. These interventions are currently in use in not only in Zimbabwe but all around the world, there just needs to be a push of surveillance in these strategies.