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“Only health care workers in contact with high-risk patients should be immunized each year.” Influenza vaccination is recommended for all high-risk individuals, including those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, not just health care workers. Limiting vaccination to occupational exposure ignores the personal risk of severe illness associated with diabetes. This statement could result in inadequate protection and increased morbidity in the client.

“An annual vaccination is not necessary because previous immunity will protect you for several years.” Immunity from past influenza infections or vaccines wanes over time and is strain-specific. Antigenic drift alters viral hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins, rendering previous antibodies less effective. Relying on outdated immunity leaves the client vulnerable to infection and serious complications.

“Antiviral drugs, such as zanamivir (Relenza), eliminate the need for vaccine except in the older adult.” Antiviral medications are used for treatment or prophylaxis after exposure but do not replace vaccination as a primary prevention strategy. They are not 100% effective, can have side effects, and are not recommended as a substitute for annual vaccination. Vaccination remains the safest and most effective method to prevent influenza in high-risk individuals.

“I should wash my hands after blowing my nose to prevent spreading the virus.” Hand hygiene is a key preventive measure for influenza transmission. Washing hands after sneezing, coughing, or touching contaminated surfaces reduces the spread of viral particles. This statement demonstrates correct understanding and does not require clarification.

“I need a flu shot every year because of the different flu strains.” Annual influenza vaccination is recommended due to antigenic drift and changing circulating strains. Receiving the flu shot yearly provides protection against the most common strains each season. This statement reflects accurate knowledge and does not require correction.

“I should sneeze into my elbow rather than my hands.” Sneezing into the elbow prevents contamination of the hands and reduces the spread of respiratory droplets. This technique is an effective infection-control strategy recommended by public health authorities. The statement is correct and demonstrates proper understanding of preventive measures.

Airborne precautions. Airborne precautions are necessary for pathogens that remain suspended in air over long distances, such as tuberculosis, measles, or varicella. Influenza does not remain airborne long enough to require negative-pressure rooms or respirators.

Contact precautions only. Contact precautions are used for infections transmitted via direct or indirect contact, such as MRSA or C. difficile. Influenza requires protection from droplets, not solely from surface contamination.

Protective isolation. Protective isolation (reverse isolation) is designed to protect immunocompromised clients from infection, not to prevent them from spreading disease. This approach is not indicated for a client with influenza.