Additional Articles

Preparing for the flu

Moving into fall brings many things: changing leaves, pumpkins and apple cider, and, unfortunately, the flu. As seasonal flu and H1N1 (swine) flu become more prevalent in Allegheny County and western Pennsylvania, it’s important to be aware of how to protect ourselves and our patients from getting the flu and becoming seriously ill. Take steps to be prepared by reducing your chances of getting the flu, and by creating plans to take care of yourself and your family if you do become ill with the flu.

All employees are encouraged to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu. This vaccine is available free to employees at all UPMC locations. To receive the vaccine, go to a scheduled clinic with your UPMC photo identification and your UPMC employee number (found on your pay advice). An up-to-date list of flu clinic times, dates, and locations is available at http://flu.infonet.upmc.com/FluShotClinics.htm.

The H1N1 vaccine will be provided by the federal government and initial plans call for it to be administered first to health care workers. Plans are being made for distribution of the vaccine to staff and patients once it is received.

Practicing good hand hygiene is another way to reduce your chances of getting the flu. This means using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, using soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty, and always washing your hands before and after patient contact, when you are sick, or when you are around people who are ill.

Be Prepared

All UPMC staff play an important part in fulfilling UPMC’s mission of providing high-quality patient care. For this reason, staff should be prepared for what they will do in a flu situation — even if they don’t believe they are at risk for getting the flu. This plan should include having a way to care for children and elderly adults who depend on you, or for any family members who may need someone to care for them if they become ill.

Employees should not come to work if they are experiencing flulike symptoms and have a fever. Staff who work directly with patients (direct care staff) should stay home until 24 hours without a fever, or seven days after they started feeling symptoms — whichever is longest. Staff who don’t have direct patient contact should stay home for 24 hours after their fever is gone, or until they are feeling well enough to return to work. Contact your manager about your illness and for further directions regarding any follow-up with Employee Health.

Seasonal flu symptoms include:

• fever
• headache
• sore throat
• cough
• fatigue and muscle weakness
• achiness

For more information about flu preparedness at UPMC, visit the flu Infonet site at http://flu.infonet.upmc.com. For any questions regarding your symptoms, call the MyHealth advice line at 1-866-918-1591.