Skip to contents
In This Issue:
Supply Status BWH has received only about one quarter of its annual supply of flu vaccine due to the nationwide shortage. Staff who are eligible to receive a vaccine will be informed by their supervisors.
Staying Healthy During Flu Season Although the limited availability of the flu vaccine reduces access for staff, employees can take other measures to protect themselves and others. The following simple actions can protect you, patients and colleagues from influenza and other infections.
Disinfect hands often. Disinfecting hands with Purell® before and after any patient contact will minimize the risk of illness.
Instruct patients who are coughing to cover their mouth and nose. Supply patients with tissues and instruct them to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Provide them with Purell to disinfect their hands.
Make sure patients with suspected or confirmed influenza are on Droplet Precautions. Droplet precautions require placing the patient in a private room (negative pressure isolation is NOT required). Wear a surgical mask when entering the patient's room and disinfect your hands before and after contact with the patient or the patient’s equipment/environment.
Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Illnesses are often spread when a person touches an area that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
Stay at home when flu-like symptoms are present. Staying at home with flu-like symptoms will prevent others from catching your illness. These symptoms include fever, headache and muscle aches, as well as dry cough, sore throat and a stuffy nose.
Stay Informed BWH has created an information line to provide updates as they become available. The flu hotline is 800-906-4048. In addition to this hotline, staff can refer to weekly articles in BWH Bulletin and regular broadcast emails, both of which include timely updates. Also, staff can visit www.bwhpikenotes.org and look for “Flu Vaccine Update” under “Need to Know” on the left side of the homepage.