NEW: Widespread Flu in RI Forces Activation of Masking Requirement
Wednesday, March 02, 2016
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) announced on Wednesday that the flu is "widespread" in Rhode Island, triggering the state's requirement for unvaccinated healthcare workers in hospitals as well as 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. 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," said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH.
Surgical Masks Required
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe healthcare facilities and organizations to which this regulation applies are the following:
• Adult day care programs
• 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
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.
Flu Vaccinations
Everyone older than 6 months of age should be vaccinated against the flu every year.
Symptoms of the flu can include a fever, cough, head and body aches, fatigue, and runny nose. Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.
Flu shots are available at doctors' offices and pharmacies throughout the state.
Related Articles
- HEALTH Organizes Community Clinics for Influenza Immunization
- NEW: HEALTH Declares Flu Widespread in RI
- NEW: Rhode Island’s First Flu-Related Deaths of Season Reported
- First Tweets from Rhode Island’s Most Influential People
- Top 25 RI Non-Profits Total Billions - Spheres of Influence
- INTERACTIVE: Spheres of Influence - Rhode Island Non-Profits
- Gun Money’s Influence in Rhode Island
- RI’s Farmaesthetics Offers Remedies for Cold + Flu Season
- NEW: Rhode Island Influenza Deaths Up, High Elderly Toll
- Flu Vaccination Campaign to Kick-Off at RI State House
- Methodology: Rhode Island’s 50 Wealthiest and Most Influential - 2015 Edition
- Coming Tomorrow: RI’s 50 Wealthiest and Most Influential
- RI’s Wealthiest and Most Influential: Who’s Up, Down, Out and New
- Rhode Island’s 50 Wealthiest and Most Influential - 2015 Edition
- FBI Files - The Patriarca Papers - Entry 25 (Patriarca’s Influence On the RI State Police)
- GoLocalTV: BENRUS CEO Feroce on GoLocal’s 50 Wealthiest and Most Influential 2015
- Leather Storrs: How TV Influences our Changing Food Culture
- Rhode Island Ranked Fifth State with Most Influential Voters
- Raimondo Joins RI Director of Health to Promote Flu Vaccination
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Fall Gardens Flush and Full
- RI Department of Health Issues Declaration of Widespread Flu Incidence
- How U.S. Presidents Have Influenced Baby Names