Manage Chronic Conditions in LTCs This Cold and Flu Season

Chronic conditions are often exacerbated in the cold of winter. Cold and flu season adds an additional layer of vigilance needed in order to keep long-term care residents healthy this winter.

Prime Care Pharmacy has worked to keep skilled nursing residents healthy since 1985.

What is a Chronic Condition?

Patients in LTCs often have a multitude of chronic conditions at play. The cold and flu season often brings a higher incidence of illnesses, complicating the management of chronic conditions. Examples of chronic conditions that can be exacerbated during cold and flu season:

• Asthma

• COPD

• Heart Disease

• Diabetes

• Arthritis

• Mood Disorders

The reduced sunlight during this time can trigger depressive symptoms in susceptible individuals, and staying indoors may lead to feelings of isolation for some. Furthermore, cold weather can increase the risk of asthma attacks.

Chronic Condition Management During Flu Season

Chronic conditions necessitate specialized resources and expertise to ensure that residents remain comfortable and healthy throughout flu season. It is essential for long-term care facilities to implement comprehensive strategies that include tailored medical care, effective monitoring, and preventive measures.

1. Get vaccinated

Ensure that both staff and residents are current on their vaccinations. The flu shot provides essential, though invisible, protection against the influenza virus, reducing the likelihood of severe illness and hospitalization.

2. Conduct regular pharmacy audits

During flu season, increased infections often correlate with heightened medication usage. To enhance patient care and operational efficiencies, Prime Care Pharmacy provides tailored pharmacy consulting services. This comprehensive approach helps identify potential issues before they become more serious.

Additionally, Prime Care offers support in policy and procedure development, medication room inspections, and medication pass observations to ensure optimal pharmacy operations.

3. Remain proactive

Close monitoring of patients is vital during this period. By anticipating higher acuity levels and identifying problems early, healthcare providers can implement timely interventions. Proactive care helps mitigate complications associated with chronic conditions exacerbated by seasonal illnesses.

4. Medication safety

The need for additional medications during cold and flu season raises concerns about medication safety. Polypharmacy—a common occurrence in individuals with chronic conditions—can lead to increased risks of medication errors and adverse drug events.

The complexity of managing multiple medications makes it essential to maintain vigilant oversight and clear communication among healthcare providers.

To mitigate these challenges, Prime Care Pharmacy emphasizes the critical role of comprehensive medication reviews and personalized care plans, powered by advanced AI technology.

AI-powered medication inspections leverage cutting-edge algorithms to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of pharmaceutical services.

By fostering a culture of safety and utilizing technology to streamline medication management, our goal is to minimize risks and ensure optimal patient outcomes this cold and flu season.

Take action now—partner with Prime Care and navigate this season with compassion and confidence.