VCH News Special Edition: Excellent response helps contain influenza and norovirus
Thank you
On behalf of the Senior Executive Team and Medical Advisory Committee, thank you to staff, physicians, volunteers and students who received their influenza vaccination this year. You have demonstrated leadership in protecting vulnerable patients and clients.
Thanks as well to everyone who has taken extra steps to prevent and contain the spread of norovirus.
Influenza
2012/13 is shaping up to be a more severe influenza season than the last couple of years, and we have already seen outbreaks of influenza in healthcare facilities. The good news is that the circulating strain of the influenza virus is matched by this year’s influenza vaccine. We know that the most effective way of preventing spread of influenza within healthcare facilities is for staff to get vaccinated. Our current vaccination rate is 67% – an all-time record for VCH. Flu shots are still available through family physicians and pharmacists.
Norovirus
As with influenza, the 2012/13 season is worse than average for norovirus. There have been several outbreaks of norovirus infections at VCH facilities, in the community in the VCH region, and at other health authorities over the past few weeks.
For up-to-date information on outbreaks in your Community of Care, please check these links on the VCH News page:
What to tell visitors and public
Ask people to avoid visiting hospital unless necessary and especially if they have experienced or are experiencing flu and/or norovirus symptoms themselves. They should stay away from others, wash their hands frequently, rest and take fluids.
What to do if you have influenza-like illness or norovirus symptoms
- Stay away from work – both influenza and norovirus are highly infectious.
- Report your absence as soon as you know you won’t be coming to work. Call the AbsenceCall Line at 1-866-924-4297 and follow the prompts.
- If you are experiencing norovirus symptoms only, you should also call the Workplace Health Call Centre. Dial 1-866-922-9464 (toll-free) Monday-Friday 0700-1700h to speak with an occupational health nurse. You may be eligible for WSBC coverage if you have norovirus.
- Staff with noro-like illness should not attend work until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours (72 hours for food handlers). See the GI outbreak control policy for details.
Preventing the spread of norovirus
- Be meticulous about washing your hands with soap and water
- Do not share ANY food
- Keep your hands away from your face
What’s the difference between influenza and norovirus?
For more information visit the HealthLink BC website.