HUMAN RESOURCES

Protect yourself and Protect others!

During this Flu Season…

This module has been designed to provide information to the Duke Employees on seasonal and H1N1 Flu. After completing this module, you will be able to:

• Identify important facts related to seasonal and H1N1 Flu

• Describe proper hygiene practices and control measures, including vaccination to prevent

– Seasonal Flu and– H1N1 Flu

• Describe the impact of the seasonal flu and H1N1Flu on employees and on Duke as an organization

Why Should I Be Concerned?

• Typically, the” Flu” comes around yearly during the fall and early winter. This is considered the “seasonal” Flu and a vaccine is developed each year to provide protection against the most common strains that are expected to cause the most illness.

• Seasonal Flu is a serious disease. In fact, 25,000 to 35,000 die annually in the U.S. due to the seasonal Flu. Those at the highest risk for developing complications are:

– The elderly

– The very young

– Those with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or conditions that effect the immune system

Why Is This Year’s Flu Season Different?

• This year, there is a new and very different Flu virus spreading worldwide called the H1N1 Flu or formerly known as the “Swine Flu”. Though this new type of Flu is turning out to be milder than originally feared, it can lead to complications.

• At this time, many are susceptible to the H1N1 and those infected experience symptoms similar to the seasonal Flu. Those at highest risk for complications seem to be:

– Pregnant women– Children– Youth and young adults up to age 24– Those with chronic medical conditions between ages 24 and 64

What Does This Mean For DU/DUHS?

Based on the government’s current estimate, 30-50% of our employees could be infected with the Flu this season.

Since we work closely together in the Duke community, we have many opportunities for contact.

Duke is taking steps to slow the spread of illness in the workforce.

Protecting yourself, your co-workers and your patients is the best way to decrease the impact of either the seasonal Flu or the H1N1 Flu. You’ll find out how in the next slides.

Remember that we all are susceptible to BOTH kinds of Flu.

To Protect Yourself & Prevent Spread . . .

It is important to know that the Flu is highly contagious, and spreads when the virus is passed from one individual to another individual. This can happen when an infected individual:

Coughs, sneezes, or has direct physical contact with

another individual Indirectly contaminates objects such as door knobs,

telephones or surfaces. This is not the most common route of infection.

Remember that the virus can spread from the hands to

eyes, nose, and mouth; so good hand hygiene is critical.

Here’s What You Can Do To Prevent Spreading The Virus . . . Wash your hands. Washing hands often with soap

and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner will help protect against germs.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash immediately after use. Wash your hands immediately.

If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve.

Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when you touch something contaminated with germs and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Stay home and away from others when you’re sick. You will help prevent others from getting sick.

And Take The Time To Get Vaccinated

• Too many employees unwisely continue to work while sick with the Flu.

• Unvaccinated workers who are not yet feeling sick can spread the virus.

• Infected individuals may be infectious the day before they become sick as well as after their fever is gone.

YOU maybe the source of

Flu transmission!

Get Vaccinated for Seasonal FluThe Center for Disease Control recommends a seasonal flu vaccine as the first and foremost important step in protecting against seasonal flu. Vaccination for seasonal Flu is vital for:

• Individuals at high-risk for serious Flu complications:

– The elderly

– The very young

– Those with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or conditions that effect the immune system

• Health care workers

• Individuals who live with or care for high-risk individuals

• All persons wishing to prevent seasonal flu

For more information, go to www.cdc.gov

Remember That DU/DUHS Offers Free Seasonal Flu Vaccination• Duke offers free seasonal flu vaccination to all

employees.

• Times and locations of flu vaccination sites will be posted online at www.duke.edu/flu.

• Bring your Duke ID to receive the vaccination.

• If you have a fever, postpone your flu shot.

And Remember To Get Vaccinated for H1N1

• The seasonal Flu vaccine will not protect you against the H1N1 Flu.

• A separate vaccine is being developed for H1N1. It is expected to be available in late fall.

• The H1N1 vaccine will be distributed based on criteria as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

How Do I Know If I Have The Flu?

Symptoms for both the Seasonal Flu and H1N1 Flu are similar . . .– Fever of 100 degrees or more and any

of these symptoms:• Cough• Sore throat• Runny or stuffy nose/sneezing• Body ache• Headache• Chills• Unusual fatigue

How Should I Care for Myself?

• Get Extra Rest

• Increase Fluid Intake

• Take Fever Lowering Medication (no aspirin for children)

• If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care.

Seek Urgent Medical Attention If You Experience . . .

Any of these emergency warning signs . . .

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen• Sudden dizziness• Confusion• Severe or persistent vomiting

What Do I do About Work?

• All staff who have flu-like symptoms must be free of fever for at least 24 hours before returning to work (updated Sept. 14, 2009).

• Staff must receive clearance from Employee Occupational Health and Wellness (EOHW) prior to returning to work (updated: Sept. 14, 2009).

Non-patient care staff: – Must submit a "Return to Work Assessment" form online or call EOHW at Main campus & Duke Hospital: 684-3136 opt. 2; Durham Regional: 470-5350 Duke Raleigh Hospital 954-3952; After hours: 684-8115, ask for EOHW Flu).

Patient care staff:– Must contact EOHW by email (eohwflu@mc.duke.edu) or by phone to receive clearance to return to work (Main campus & Duke Hospital: 684-3136 opt. 2; Durham Regional: 470-5350 Duke Raleigh Hospital 954-3952; After hours: 684-8115, ask for EOHW Flu).

For more information, go to www.duke.edu/flu

Returning to Work…

• Consistent with current NC Department of Health Guidelines, clinical staff members with patient contact that have flu-like symptoms must remain home until they are afebrile for at least 24 hours without anti-pyretics.

• NEW!! Clinical Staff must receive clearance from Employee Occupational Health and Wellness (EOHW) for return to work determination.

• Contact EOHW by e-mail at eohwflu@mc.duke.edu or call at 684 -3136 opt. 2. After hours, call 684-8115, ask for EOHW Flu; Duke Raleigh Hospital staff should call 954-3952.

• Departments will receive confirmation when staff have been cleared to return to work.

Where Can I Get More Information?

• Clinical Guidelines and Treatment:– Access via http://staff.dukehealth.org

website (Intranet)

• DU/DUHS site: www.duke.edu/flu

• Flu vaccine clinics to be offered through EOHW

• Your Manager

HUMAN RESOURCES

QUIZWhere can I go to find information on the flu?

HUMAN RESOURCES

www.duke.edu/flu

Congratulations! You passed! Remember protect yourself and others!