Welcome to fall! As the weather gets cooler and we spend more time indoors, we also see an increase in colds, flu, respiratory viruses, and other illnesses.
For our clients, many of whom have complex medical needs, preventing the spread of illness is especially important. Fall is a great time to take a moment to refresh ourselves on some simple infection-prevention practices that can make a big difference.
A few important reminders:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when appropriate.
- Stay home when you are sick. Please communicate with the appropriate person as soon as possible if you are experiencing symptoms that could put a client or others at risk.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow and perform hand hygiene afterward.
- Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and equipment according to appropriate guidelines.
- Follow all tracheostomy, ventilator, feeding tube, and other client-specific infection-control procedures carefully.
- Keep vaccinations up to date as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Communicate early if you notice symptoms of illness in yourself, a client, or someone in the household.
It can be easy to become comfortable with our daily routines, but taking a few extra precautions can help protect not only our clients, but also their families, nurses, and communities.
Thank you for your continued commitment to providing safe, compassionate care. Together, we can help keep our Nursingale families healthy throughout the fall and winter seasons.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy fall!
