Upon the declaration of prevalence of the flu virus by the state health commissioner on the 18th of December, all hospitals in Hudson Valley have ramped up their efforts to control the spread of the virus. This collective action headed by the Northern Metropolitan Hospital Association aims to primarily safeguard patients, visitors, and hospital staff from exposure to the influenza virus. The collective prevention strategy notably features significant focus on vaccination of hospital employees and universal provision of surgical masks.
As per the Public Health Law enacted by the state in 2014, a declaration of flu prevalence prompts specific regulations that hospitals and healthcare facilities are obliged to implement. Under this law, any hospital or residential healthcare staff member yet to receive a flu vaccination is obligated to wear a surgical mask while in spaces typically populated by patients or residents.
Hospital authorities have consistently underscored that receiving the flu vaccine annually remains the most effective way of preventing the flu virus. However, they also emphasize that a surgical face-mask worn by their employees adds an extra layer of protection against the virus, playing a key role in safeguarding not just patients but also hospital staff and visitors.
In fact, all hospitals in the Hudson Valley now provide flu vaccine to their entire staff and ensure that surgical masks are available to them as per state public health law requirements. Additional precautionary measures enforced include rigorous hand washing routines, the strategic placement of hand sanitizers throughout the hospital premises, and the use of protective gowns and goggles as necessary.
Beyond these specific measures, all Hudson Valley hospitals continue to uphold stringent infection control guidelines and policies day in and day out. The goal extends beyond state law requirements and seeks to ensure a safe and clean environment for all – patients, hospital staff, and visitors alike – during this flu season. The hospitals affirm their relentless commitment to protecting the health of both the community and their staff, while mitigating the impact of the influenza virus.
Source: https://midhudsonnews.com/2024/12/21/mid-hudson-hospitals-intensify-flu-prevention-efforts/