A group of hospitals and health systems in Central Virginia are reinforcing masking in care settings to help protect patients, visitors and staff during flu season.
Influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are all surging in Virginia and across the nation.
The joint guidance was sent out today from Bon Secours, Centra, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, HCA Virginia, UVA Health and VCU Health.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there have been at least 15 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths from flu so far this season.
The Virginia Department of Health indicates a high level of respiratory illness in the state accounting for 23.4 percent of recent hospital emergency department visits.
Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, chills, fatigue, and, in some cases, vomiting or diarrhea.
If symptoms are not serious or life threatening, patients are encouraged to visit a primary care doctor or urgent care facility for treatment of flu and respiratory virus symptoms.
Recommendations
Here are masking recommendations to help prevent spreading the flu:
- Patients with flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever or a runny nose are asked to wear a mask and advised to notify the front desk upon arrival at provider offices, urgent care centers and emergency departments.
- Some hospitals are requiring masking for all patients and visitors in emergency departments.
- Masks will be provided as needed and care teams will guide patients on next steps upon arrival.
- While vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness from the flu, it is not 100 percent effective. Individuals who are vaccinated can still contract and spread the virus. Masking when symptoms are present provides an additional layer of protection.
Other ways people in the community can help stop the spread of the flu include:
- frequent handwashing
- staying home when sick
- covering coughs and sneezes
- getting an annual flu vaccine