Winter Health Notice

Winter Health NoticeCold & Flu season is here and in full effect. Although there still isn’t a cure, we have some tips for healthcare professionals to stay healthy this winter season.

Prevention: Get A Flu Shot

Hopefully by now you haven’t contracted the flu virus yet, even if it’s covered by this year’s vaccine. The vaccine or flu shot can help minimize your recovery time. Depending upon your medical facility, you may already be required to get a flu shot.

Every flu strand is different along with the season. Millions are affected by the flu each year, hospitalizing hundreds of thousands and killing thousands ever year, according to the CDC. Let the flu shot be your first line of defense teaching your body to fight off the virus if you become infected.

Quarantine: Stop Spreading the Flu

Let’s say you caught the flu, but you can’t put your life on hold. How do you keep going without spreading it?

It’s really important to wash your hands, and often. Use soap and warm water, and build up a good lather for at least 20 to 30 seconds.

If for whatever reason you’re unable to wash your hands, it’s recommended to use an alcohol-based hand rub. Hand sanitizers with less alcohol content may not be as effective and remember that sanitizers, while they will kill the virus, don’t remove everything, hence washing should be the first line of defense.

If you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your inner elbow — not your hand. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth since germs spread through touching contaminated object.

Interception: When Coworkers Are Sick

Are your coworkers showing cold and flu symptoms?  Encouraged them to stay home, and be sure to sanitize their work area.

Per the CDC, you should implement interventions such as distancing yourself from each other (3-feet radius) and frequent cleaning for touched surfaces and objects.

If you share common workspaces, clean and wipe down with sanitizing wipes.

See Your Healthcare Provider (Important!)

Many times you’re so busy taking care of others, you forget to practice what you preach. Please take a moment to check in on yourself and make sure you’re feeling your best before you’re taking care of everyone else.

As you know, Flu complications, such as pneumonia, can result in hospitalization or even death so please be careful!

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