Jefferson
H1N1 Influenza Information for Employees
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Jefferson is increasing its efforts to fight the seasonal flu and H1N1. Currently we are offering free seasonal flu vaccinations and revising work guidelines so employees with influenza-like illness do not return to work prematurely.
The seasonal flu vaccine is now available and free to everyone at Jefferson. We recommend that everyone receive the flu vaccine, especially those who are pregnant or have underlying health conditions (severe asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, immune deficiency) that place him or her at higher risk for complications from the flu. The vaccine is now being administered through University Health Services and via the Infection Control Nurse Resource Committee that will visit nursing units.
The best defense against seasonal flu and H1N1 is prevention:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water and frequently clean your living area and commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles, and bathroom areas
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid touching your face, nose or mouth
- Avoid contact with people outside of the hospital who are sick
For employees who do experience flu-like symptoms, we have revised H1N1 work guidelines to address those who do not have direct patient contact and those who do.
Employees without patient contact who exhibit flu-like symptoms (fever accompanied by cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills or fatigue) should not come to work until they are fever-free (without medications) for 24 hours. You should contact your supervisor to inform him or her that you will not be coming to work. The CDC is recommending that flu patients self-isolate, leaving home only to seek medical attention. If you are at work and develop these symptoms, please report to University Health Services. If you are unsure of what to do, please contact University Health Services at the Center City Campus and Healthmark at Methodist Hospital Division.
Employees who have direct patient contact or clinical responsibilities in communities where H1N1 transmission is occurring (or have been working in areas of the hospital where H1N1 patients are present) and develop flu-like symptoms, should not return to a clinical setting for 7 days or until symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer. You must be cleared by UHS prior to your return.
It is important for all employees to consider what steps they can take now to limit the disruption if they develop a flu-like illness:
- Plan to save your time off in case you or a family member gets ill
- Be open to the possibility of cross-training with co-workers so that vital functions can continue in your absence.
- Review our Attendance, Sick Leave, and Family and Medical Leave policies.*
*Please note: Staff should follow normal procedures to report absence due to illness. If staff members have no available sick leave, they can use vacation or personal time, according to their staff classification and with supervisory approval. H1N1 is easily spread and all sick staff members are encouraged to stay home to prevent further infection.
If you have questions about Human Resources policies or workplace issues, you may contact the department at (215) 503-7758 for the Center City Campus and (215) 952-9992 for Methodist Hospital Division.
In addition to the steps above, supervisors should:
- Develop plans to manage your workplace, including cross-training of staff, so that vital office functions can continue if you or your staff become ill.
- Review the sick leave and other paid time off balances for your staff.
- Review official seasonal flu information on the CDC seasonal flu web site and H1N1 information on the CDC H1N1 web site and discuss with your employees.
We encourage ALL employees to review the FAQs section on the home page of this site as well as the Vaccination Efforts page. These areas will provide additional information about H1N1, the target populations for receiving the vaccine when it becomes available, and much more.
Latest Info
UNIVERSITY STATUS
The University is open and operating normally.
All students, faculty and staff with flu-like symptoms are urged to remain out of class, the library, offices and other public places. You may resume normal activity only after being fever free for 24 hours (without medication). This applies to those WITHOUT patient care responsibilities.
For up-to-the-minute information about influenza, please see the Centers for Disease Control web site.
For up-to-the-minute information about the Philadelphia area please see the Philadelphia Department of Public Health web site.
For the latest case count in Pennsylvania, please visit the PA Department of Health web site.
STAFF & FACULTY
Inquiries about international travel should be directed to the Office of International Affairs at (215) 503-4335.
