Stay Healthy During Flu Season
A severe nationwide shortage of influenza vaccine for this winter season has
made media headlines recently. You can still protect yourself from the flu even
if you haven't been vaccinated. These simple actions can protect you, your patients
and your colleagues from influenza and other infections.
Disinfect your hands often
Disinfecting your hands with Purell® before and after any patient contact
will minimize the risk of getting sick.
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 your 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 you have flu-like symptoms
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.
For more information or to ask questions, call Occupational Health at ext.
2-8501.