Eastern Star Home--the flu epidemic is over

A Decorah nursing home has announced that the flu epidemic that affected the facility for the past four weeks has ended.  A statement from the Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home says, "We are well and open for visitors and normal activities."

Six residents at the home tested positive for influenza A.  Nursing home officials stress that no H1N1 was cultured and that a clear majority of cultures were negative. 

Flu vaccines and pneumonia vaccines had been administered last fall for all eligible residents and staff.  Hand-washing, masks, isolation, and Tami Flu for all eligible residents and staff went a long way in correcting the situation and stopping the spread.