Respiratory virus season has begun in Middle Tennessee, with confirmed cases of RSV and influenza A on the rise and COVID infections still occurring. To reduce your risk of becoming ill and to create a safe environment for our coworkers and patients, we remind you of these essential infection prevention precautions:
- Don’t work/visit if ill:
- As per VUMC policy, any VUMC workforce member who develops symptoms compatible with an acute respiratory viral infection (ARI), including but not limited to a new cough, congestion, flu-like illness, or loss of taste or smell, should not work until the VUMC Occupational Health Clinic return to work guidelines are met.
- If symptoms develop while at VUMC, immediately put on a surgical/procedural mask and talk to your supervisor about the need to leave.
- Advise visitors if they have any ARI symptoms to please visit at another time when they are no longer contagious.
2. Consider masking in high-risk situations: Masking has been shown to reduce spread of the respiratory viruses. While respiratory virus activity has not reached the level to warrant a return to universal masking in all VUMC clinical areas, we encourage everyone to take caution and consider masking when in situations that increase the risk of exposure (such as in enclosed crowded environments with poor ventilation). In addition, Individuals considered at high risk for severe illness from respiratory infections may wish to wear masks even in non-patient care areas. Please respect the decision of those who decide to mask, and please put on a mask if a patient or colleague requests you to do so.
- Influenza vaccine exempted employee masking: As per VUMC policy, all faculty, house staff, and employees who have received an exemption from influenza vaccination are required to wear a surgical/procedural mask in all patient care areas until the influenza season has ended. The Department of Infection Prevention uses data from the VUMC Virology lab as well as regional surveillance data to assess the level of influenza activity. With the recent rapid increase in influenza activity, exempted employees should start to mask effective Dec. 18.
3. Isolate and test patients early: Place patients with ARI symptoms into appropriate isolation precautions. Patients who will require an aerosol-generating procedure should be placed into an airborne infection isolation (i.e., negative pressure) room.
4. Get vaccinated: Make sure you are up-to-date with influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations (click here for links to check your status and schedule a vaccination). Also make sure to vaccinate your patients who may be due for either vaccine.
The Department of Infection Prevention will continue to track measures of respiratory virus activity. In the event such metrics increase, other interventions, including universal masking in all clinical areas, may be reinstituted. For more information on how to protect yourself and your patients from respiratory viruses, visit https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/about/index.html.
