Contributed by Ascension Wisconsin Employer Solutions
This winter, hospitals have seen moderate to high amounts of activity due to influenza. Last year, 28,000 people died from influenza, including 288 children. Flu cases in Wisconsin tend to rise during the winter and continue to occur into April or May. The workplace is a common area that can increase the spread of germs to colleagues. Taking preventive measures helps protect yourself and your coworkers from getting sick.
Prevent the Spread of Flu:
- Doctors recommend everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine annually, especially people at higher risk.
- If you have a rare complication to certain immunizations or if you are pregnant, speak with your primary care physician or OB-GYN to determine if the flu vaccine is appropriate for you.
- The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important way to reduce your risk of catching the flu.
- Be mindful of touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; this is how germs spread.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after touching doorknobs or other high-touch surfaces in the office, or soiled tissues.
- If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Managing Flu Symptoms:
- Urgent care: Recommended only when there is urgency, including symptoms that need prompt attention outside of regular office hours, such as a high fever or mild-to-moderate symptoms that develop suddenly and cannot wait for a primary care appointment.
- Hospital ER: If you or your child has a very high fever, difficulty breathing, or concerns about dehydration visit your emergency department for care.
Ascension Wisconsin is proud to be a part of the Fox Valley community and is committed to working to continuously improve patient health and wellness. In Wisconsin, Ascension delivers care through 16 hospitals, 12 of which are wholly owned, and four that are jointly operated, and more than 100 related healthcare sites, with more than three million patient visits each year. To schedule an appointment with a primary care provider or learn more about Ascension Wisconsin, please visit healthcare.ascension.org.