USA Health wants to ensure staff and students who work or spend time within our facilities take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread of flu. Here are answers to some common questions about the flu, answered by Teresa M. Aikens, RN, MSN, CIC, nurse manager for Infection Prevention/Control and Employee Occupational Health at University Hospital.
Q. What should an employee or student who works at USA Health do when they are diagnosed with the flu?
A. It’s recommended that all employees and students with a confirmed flu diagnosis be treated with Tamiflu to shorten the duration of the illness and lessen the symptoms. Do not go to work or school if you are ill.
Q. Speaking of returning to work following the flu, when can employees and students come back to work?
A. Employees and students with the flu diagnosis must wait until they are free of fever for 24 hours (without any fever-reducing medication). Upon return to work, they must wear a mask for the first seven days because they can potentially shed the virus and infect others.
Q. Is wearing a mask for seven days after having the flu a new policy?
A. Yes. It was added in 2019 after recommendation and approval by the USA Health Infection Prevention and Review Committee.
Q. Where can employees and students get the masks?
A. Masks are available throughout the hospitals. If an employee has trouble locating a mask, contact Infection Prevention or their supervisor.
Q. Is wearing a mask only for employees and students who work directly with patients?
A. No, this applies to all employees because they could infect co-workers.
Q. Do these flu protocols apply to medical students or other students?
A. If they are in our facility, they need to be compliant with the policy as they could infect patients and hospital employees.
Q. Where can flu patients be treated quickly within USA Health?
A. As with any illness, they should contact their primary care physician or any urgent care facility during the first signs of illness for antiviral medications to be effective. If they are experiencing severe illness in need of hospitalization, such as patients with multiple medical problems or severe respiratory distress, then an emergency room visit may be indicated. Most individuals with the flu can be cared for at home, and the best advice for almost everyone is to stay at home away from people. Also, always try to cover your cough and use good hand hygiene.
Q. Is the vaccine still available for students?
A. Yes. The Student Health Center has flu vaccine available for all currently enrolled students. There is no need to make an appointment. The cost of the flu shot is typically covered by most insurance plans. Call 460-7151 for more information.
