proposed project
Flu epidemic can result from the spread of viral infection within the correctional facilities. Prisons and jails form high-risk groups because it is easy to and quick to spread. According to Fricker & Rigdon (2018), there are over 2.2 million prisoners in the United States. Flu pandemic can spread through the air when a person coughs or sneezes, skin to skin contacts, saliva, and touching contaminated surfaces. The viruses attack the nose, lungs and throat. The flu is self-treatable and can be self diagnosed, and its signs and symptoms include chills, fever, muscle aches, congestion, coughs, headaches, runny nose and fatigue. The risk-factor groups that are likely to be infected or affected by flu complications include older adults, young children, people with weak immune systems or chronic illnesses and pregnant women. The flu can be prevented through vaccinations, observing hygiene practices such as washing hand, separation of infected prisoners and staffs. All these factors prevent the flu or limit the possibility of complications. Within the United States correctional facilities, the spread of influenza is primarily affected by the size of the prisons, high turnover rates, and capacity to provide environmental, physical and health services as well as the link between prisoners, staffs and the neighboring communities.