Ontario hospitals are beginning to see an increase in the number of influenza cases, a typical trend for this time of year, but Dr. Allison McGeer predicted we are about two weeks away from peak flu season when she was interviewed by City News earlier this week. Dr. McGeer also speaks about the importance of receiving the flu shot, the various strains of influenza currently circulating and the universal flu vaccine currently in development.
As cold and flu activity increases this winter, these tips will help prevent the spread of infections:
- Do not come to work if you are ill with cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose or other cold or flu-like symptoms. Report it to your manager and call Occupational Health Wellness & Safety by calling the sick line.
- If you become ill at work, go home and call Occupational Health Wellness & Safety from home.
- When you notice visitors with cough, runny/stuffy nose, please speak with them about the risks to our patients. Request that they visit over the phone and postpone in-person visits until they are well.
- Be vigilant about following routine infection prevention and control measures:
- The four moments of hand hygiene.
- Cleaning all patient shared equipment.
- Be alert to respiratory symptoms in your patients