In a new advisory, The Joint Commission suggests that healthcare workers who usually skip a flu shot need to consider the harm they may be doing to their patients and co-workers.
According to The Joint Commission’s new Quick Safety, Issue 46: “Protecting patients and others from influenza in the healthcare setting” emphasizes that prevention is the best way to protect oneself, family, patients and co-workers from the influenza.
Joint Commission-accredited organizations are required to offer flu vaccinations to all licensed independent practitioners and staff.
Inhaling droplets from a sneeze or a cough is how the flu spreads from person to person; droplets can land on surfaces and spread to others who touch those contaminated surfaces.
A person with the flu can be contagious the day before symptoms start and remain contagious for up to seven days.
In addition to the vaccine, recommended actions for healthcare workers include:
• Clean hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub to help protect from germs.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently.
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