Seton Coastside reopens following their hospital flu epidemic

Over 2 weeks 35 live-in Seton Coastside patients contracted the flu, 3 died. 10 staff employees also had the flu.  First case March 16, last case March 30. 

"Not many people die after reaching age 100."

Half Moon Bay Review/Mark Noack, 4/12/12. Moss Beach -- "Flu outbreak kills 3 at Seton Coastside, common virus ravages elderly vaccinated patients."  ...“The body doesn’t have as good of an immune response at that age,” said Dr. Scott Morrow, county public health officer. “Even when you give a flu vaccine to someone over the age of 65, they have only a 30 to 50 percent efficacy.” The first case of influenza showed up at Seton on March 16, and the virus continued to spread over the following two weeks. ....Seton officials have received approval this week to fully re-open as normal."   Read more.

Statement by Seton Coastside DCHS Staff, 4/11/12.  "Flu Outbreak Information". "We at Seton Medical Center Coastside want to assure our community that their safety is our priority. We have taken precautionary measures to prevent further spreading of the virus, such as administering anti-viral drugs, actively surveying our patients multiple times a day, limiting visitors and temporarily suspending admitting new residents to our Skilled Nursing Unit. 

The only people affected by the flu were live-in patients (residents) and hospital staff; there was no threat to outpatients in the Seton Coastside emergency department. “Our highest priority is always to ensure our patients receive the safe, high-quality, compassionate care for which Seton Coastside is known,” said Seton Interim CEO Jim Schuessler.  Read more.

Reference - Seton Coastside medical facility.  Recent view of Seton Coastside article - Coast View magazine/Cheryl Sinclair and Mary E. Knippe1, 4/12.

Posted by Kathy Meeh