Influenza season is upon us.
The UNMC-Nebraska Medicine Omaha campus has had two confirmed influenza cases through the Emergency Department within the last week. Please be advised of the following pertinent information:
- All physicians, employees and volunteers are eligible for free influenza vaccinations. Please see the schedule for open clinics and plan to attend to receive your vaccination as soon as possible.
- Patients exhibiting respiratory signs and symptoms should be given a mask to wear during the clinic visit and should practice respiratory etiquette. Health care providers should utilize Contact and Droplet Precautions.
- Rapid antigen testing can be falsely positive or negative. Patients being admitted should have a Respiratory Pathogen Panel test.
- All employees are encouraged to practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette during flu season, and should not come to work if exhibiting signs and symptoms of flu. If illness onset occurs while at work, the employee should leave work as soon as possible.
Thank you for your efforts to control the spread of influenza this flu season.