'Widespread Flu' in Rhode
Island Prompts Activation of Masking Requirement
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) announced that the
flu is "widespread" in Rhode Island, triggering the state's
requirement for unvaccinated healthcare workers in hospitals and many other
types of healthcare facilities to wear surgical masks.
"The masking requirement is critical in protecting
healthcare workers from catching the flu, and also in protecting patients who
are often dealing with other serious health issues," said Director of
Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH.
"For people who have not been vaccinated yet, it is not too
late. Flu vaccine is the best way to keep yourself and the people you love safe
from the flu."
The healthcare facilities and organizations to which this
regulation applies are:
•Assisted living facilities
•CVS Minute Clinics
•Free-standing ambulatory care surgical centers
•Free-standing emergency care facilities
•Home care providers
•Home nursing care providers
•Hospice providers
•Hospitals
•Kidney treatment centers
•Nursing facilities
•Organized ambulatory care facilities
•Physician ambulatory surgery centers
Unvaccinated healthcare workers in these facilities must wear
surgical masks when involved in direct patient contact. Direct patient contact
is considered routinely anticipated face-to-face contact with patients, such as
entering a patient's room, serving food to patients, or participating in group
patient activities.
In addition to the healthcare workers in these facilities, all
licensed EMS practitioners who have not been vaccinated against the flu must
wear masks when engaged in direct patient contact.
Everyone older than 6 months of age should be vaccinated against
the flu every year.
In addition to healthcare workers, vaccination is particularly important for pregnant women, people over the age of 50, nursing or group home residents, and people with chronic conditions (such as heart, lung, or kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, anemia, blood disorders, or weakened immune systems).
In addition to healthcare workers, vaccination is particularly important for pregnant women, people over the age of 50, nursing or group home residents, and people with chronic conditions (such as heart, lung, or kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, anemia, blood disorders, or weakened immune systems).
Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, head and body
aches, fatigue, and runny nose. Some people also have vomiting and diarrhea.
Flu shots are available at doctors' offices and pharmacies
throughout Rhode Island.
