Homeless shelters and other homeless service sites continue to play an important part in protecting the health of the people they serve. People using homeless services depend on providers to maintain healthy living environments and to take measures to decrease the risk of influenza transmission. Homeless persons may bear particular risk of contracting influenza because of crowded and unsanitary living conditions, stressed immune systems, and close contact with highly transient persons. This is also the case for other communicable diseases, but the rapidly developing H1N1 epidemic calls for increased precautions and vigilance.
Categories:
Best Practices, Clinical Practice, Emergency Preparedness, Homeless Services