Precautions for Healthcare Workers During Flu Season

Flu season seems to be coming back again and in some cases seems longer then it should. It’s so important that we take a few minutes to review the information below in order to protect yourself, your family and your clients.  As a home care provider, it is important to protect yourself from the Flu, Colds and Viruses.  The best way to do that is to follow the guidelines and tips provided. 

The information below was taken from the OSHA web site along with additional tips to protect yourself in the home and your vehicle.  To view the OSHA website for more details, click on the link below.
https://www.osha.gov/dts/guidance/flu/protectyourself_healthcare.html

  • Stay at home if you are sick. CDC recommends that workers who have a fever and respiratory symptoms stay at home until 24 hours after their fever ends (100 degrees Fahrenheit [37.8 degrees Celsius] or lower), without the use of medication. Not everyone who has the flu will have a fever. Other symptoms could include a runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting. Note that CDC has special instructions for workers returning to work in areas with patients whose immune systems are severely weakened.

  • Keep frequently touched common surfaces (e.g., telephones, computer equipment, etc.) clean.

  • Try not to use a coworker's phone, desk, office, computer, or other work tools and equipment. If you must use a coworker’s equipment, consider cleaning it first with a disinfectant.

  • Stay in shape. Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and relaxation.

  • If you are in a high risk category for flu complications (e.g., pregnant women, persons with asthma, etc.) talk with your employer about alternative work assignments. 

Participate in all training offered by your employer. Make sure that you understand your exposure risk, your facility's policies and procedures for isolation precautions, use of workplace controls, work practices, and PPE protection during aerosol-generating procedures, and potential complications of the flu.

Additional Helpful Hints and Reminders

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

  • Don't touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Do not wear a surgical mask unless you are sick. Masks are not effective in reducing the spread of coronavirus in healthy people.

  • Keep a small packet of Clorox Wipes in your purse, knapsack or vehicle to wipe down your steering wheel, dashboard, driver/passenger seats, shopping carts, and any place you and many other people may have frequently touched the surface.

  • Keep plastic bags for disposal of trash like used tissues, napkins etc.

  • Make sure the client disposes of used tissues, washes their hands, uses a hand sanitizer

  • Keep hand sanitizer available for use when needed

  • Remember to always wash your hands when arriving to the client’s home, each time you change your gloves, when cleaning and cooking, blowing your nose or going to the bathroom.

  • Call the office if your client is showing signs of the Flu, Cold or Virus.  Masks can be provided to protect staff.

  • Clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces thoroughly with a disinfectant.  Clean food prep areas frequently.