Flu season is upon us and we have seen an influx in flu cases throughout the hospital and in the community. We expect to continue to see cases increase as the peak of the season is usually around February. We need your help as health care workers to protect yourself and our patients.
The top ways to reduce the spread of the flu and protect yourself are:
- Hand washing – Follow the 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene (listed on the back of your badge)
- Do not return to work unless fever free for 24 hours without medication
- See a doctor immediately if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms
- Before returning to work, see Employee Health with your clearance letter from your treating provider
Per our System Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions policy, any patient that is suspicious for flu-like symptoms should be placed on Droplet Precautions immediately. If the results are negative then Droplet Precautions can be discontinued. This will help protect our staff as well as prevent the spread of infection.
Droplet Precautions include: 1. All staff/volunteers entering the room of a patient on Droplet Precautions must wear a surgical mask before entering the patient’s room. Masks should be removed after staff/volunteers exit the room. 2. If transportation is necessary the patient should don a surgical mask during transport.
Examples:
- Patient admits to ED with flu-like symptoms. Lab order placed to test for flu. Droplet Isolation ordered
- Patient is currently housed in inpatient unit and develops flu-like symptoms. Lab order placed to test for flu. Droplet Isolation ordered
Please contact Infection Control with any questions or concerns at 346.762.3327.