Influenza: Introduction

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Registered nurses are on the frontlines of our health care system and will play a critical role in preventing and treating the spread of both seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu.

Nurses spend a lot of time with patients who are sick and at increased risk for severe disease complications. When you get the flu, you expose your family, patients and coworkers to infection. WSNA is committed to advocating for the health of nurses and the patients that they serve. We strongly recommend that all nurses be vaccinated against the influenza and H1N1 viruses.

Protect yourself, your patients, and your family by getting your vaccinations, staying informed, and following safety measures.

Protect Yourself as a Health Care Provider

Hand Hygiene

The single most effective way to prevent the spread of disease! Nurses should be sure they, their colleagues, their patients, family and friends wash their hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Covering Cough or Sneeze

Use a tissue to cover a cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of infectious droplets.

If You Have Sign / Symptoms of Flu

Stay home if you are ill.

Obtain Vaccine for Seasonal and H1N1 Flu

Public health officials recommend that everyone who is eligible to receive the seasonal flu vaccine should get it every year. If you are eligible to receive H1N1 flu vaccine when it is available, you should get that vaccine as well. You may be able to receive both vaccines at the same time, though the seasonal flu vaccine will be available sooner than the H1N1 vaccine.

Social Distancing

Ill persons should stay home and not attend work, school, church, or other social events where they will have close contact with others. If social interaction is unavoidable, ill persons should maintain at a distance of 3 feet and consider wearing a surgical mask.

Other Considerations

Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose or Mouth

Germs are spread this way.

Laundry

Wash a sick person's laundry in hot water and dry it on high. Wear gloves or wash your hands after touching laundry.

(Download this information in printable PDF format.)

Founded in 1908, WSNA is the professional organization representing more than 16,000 registered nurses in Washington State. WSNA effectively advocates for the improvement of health standards and availability of quality health care for all people; promotes high standards for the nursing profession; and advances the professional and economic development of nurses.

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Washington State Nurses Association
575 Andover Park West, Suite 101
Seattle, WA 98188
206.575.7979 | 206.575.1908 fax

The Washington State Nurses Association Continuing Education Provider Program (OH-231, 9-1-2012) is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Ohio Nurses Association (OBN-001-91), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.