Southampton, NY—Flu season has started and this year Southampton Hospital is taking additional steps to prevent the spread of flu, including enhanced efforts to vaccinate all employees and distribution of surgical facemasks. Southampton Hospital held its annual free flu vaccine in November and is complying with NYS Department of Health guidelines to require all employees to be vaccinated. Staff who have patient contact but are unable to have a flu vaccination will be wearing surgical facemasks to provide added protection to patients, visitors and other employees.
As a matter of standard practice, Southampton Hospital enforces universally-recognized precautions to prevent the flu. These include hand washing, the use of hand sanitizers placed conveniently throughout the hospital, as well as goggles, and gowns. In addition, the Hospital adheres to rigorous infection control guidelines and policies every day to ensure a clean environment for patients, staff, and visitors. These practices are especially important during flu season. Antiseptic wipes are located in patient rooms, work stations, hallways, and other treatment areas and are easily accessible to hospital employees responsible for sanitizing medical equipment and surface areas.
“Flu prevention is a priority at our hospital and our employees work every day to lessen the spread of flu virus by adhering to strict infection control practices and prevention guidelines. We urge you to visit your physician if you have not already received a flu shot this year,” said Deborah Maile, Director of Infection Prevention. During last year’s flu season, the New York State Department of Health recorded 45,352 confirmed flu cases, 9,537 patients hospitalized and 14 pediatric deaths from influenza.
