Dear Colleagues,
The flu season is upon us again. I'm sure it comes as no surprise that UHN will be rolling out its annual flu campaign once again, beginning today. I'm pleased to tell you that this year's flu season will be much calmer than last year and I'm told that the H1N1 strain is included in this year's shot.
Toronto Public Health is already reporting influenza outbreaks in some long-term and acute care facilities as early as September. Influenza continues to be the number 1 infectious disease causing death in North America so I urge you to get your shot again this year.
As health care workers, we have a duty to protect ourselves and our patients from the Influenza virus. Getting the flu vaccine not only protects us from becoming infected with influenza but it also prevents the spread of the virus to our patients, families, friends and co-workers.
Occupational Health will be sending flu carts around each site beginning today. Carts will also be set up at fixed points at each hospital site. The schedule is posted on the corporate intranet. This week's UHNews also has an FAQ about influenza and the vaccine, by Dr. Susy Hota, Infectious Disease and Infection Prevention and Control Specialist. I urge you to pick up a copy of the newsletter or visit the intranet to read it.
Bob
