Flu cases continue to occur at a very high rate in Middle Tennessee. For this reason, universal masking of all persons continues at high-risk units at VUMC, as directed by Vanderbilt Health Infection Prevention. (See here for more information.)
It’s still not too late to get a flu shot
Vanderbilt Health experts have issued a reminder that it’s not too late to get a flu shot to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
“Flu vaccination is associated with a 25% or better reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular event, like heart attack or stroke,” said Patty Wright, MD, professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Chief Medical Officer for Adult Ambulatory Clinics. Even in years when there is not a close match between the flu vaccine and the circulating strain, getting the flu vaccine significantly decreases the risk of hospitalization and other complications from flu. Vaccinating health care workers also provides secondary protection for patients, particularly those patients who are very young, frail or immunocompromised.
Flu shots are available at Vanderbilt Health’s Occupational Health Clinic, as well as all Vanderbilt Health Walk-in and Walgreens Clinics.
What to do if you get sick
Wright added that in the event that a person comes down with flu-like symptoms, they should get evaluated quickly, because medications are available for treatment, if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset. These medications can reduce the time you are sick by 1-2 days, prevent complications, and decrease the spread of flu. Evaluation and treatments for flu are available through Vanderbilt Health Walk-in and Walgreens Clinics.
As a reminder, all Vanderbilt Health employees with new respiratory symptoms should wear a mask at work for at least 7 days. Health care workers who have fever or are too ill to safely perform their duties should stay home from work and follow return-to-work guidance from Vanderbilt Health’s Occupational Health Clinic. (Click here for VUMC Occupational Health Clinic return to work guidelines )