Flu Prevention Begins with YOU:

Healthcare Workers and Influenza Awareness

It seems like we just got over the last flu season when another one is upon us—which means now is the perfect time to brush up on the basics and be prepared. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the 2011-2012 flu vaccine will protect against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season: an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus.

Because thousands of people die every year from influenza and many more require hospitalization, healthcare workers have a responsibility to those around them to make influenza awareness and prevention a priority. Ongoing influenza training and education for staff members is a critical component of flu prevention in the healthcare setting and should cover the following:

• Signs, symptoms, risk factors and high-risk individuals – High-risk individuals include healthcare workers, young children, people over 65 and people with chronic health conditions.
• Central role of administrative controls – These include vaccinations, hand hygiene, and standard cleaning and disinfection procedures.
• Appropriate use of personal protective equipment – These include masks, gloves and gowns.
• Use of engineering/environmental controls and work practices – This includes infection control procedures to reduce exposure such as installing partitions in triage areas and proper management of laundry, food service utensils and medical waste.

The following “Take 3” Actions to Fight the Flu are presented by the CDC:

1. Take time to get a flu vaccine.
2. Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.
3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

For more information about flu prevention and how to educate staff members as well as patients and family members, visit the CDC’s Seasonal Influenza page.