Flu season is nothing to sneeze at

It’s that time of year again — days are short, nights are cold, peppermint lattes are abundant and flu season is underway. Eighty-eight percent of UF Health Shands staff received their flu vaccination by Nov. 15, and those who didn’t are required to follow certain safety measures. If you didn’t get a flu shot before the Nov. 15 deadline, please take note of the following guidelines:

• Individuals who opted out of the flu vaccination are required to wear a surgical or procedure mask in patient areas until March 31.
• It’s not too late to get vaccinated. UF Health Shands Occupational Health Services, located in Room 1004 on the first floor of UF Health Shands Hospital, will continue to provide flu shots until April 30 (the end of flu season) or as long as supplies last.
• Once you get vaccinated, you will be required to wear a mask for two more weeks until the vaccine provides full immunity.
• If you have any influenza symptoms, DO NOT come to work — please stay home.
• All employees with symptoms must remain out of work until symptoms have resolved for at least 24 hours.

You may not return to work until you are cleared by OHS. Call OHS at 352-265-0250 to schedule a “fitness for duty” evaluation.

Help fight the flu! Get vaccinated, practice frequent hand hygiene and cover your cough or sneeze. For more information, visit Flu Central at bridge.UFHealth.org/flu.

Flu symptoms include:

• Fever, usually higher than 100°F (37.8°C)
• Dry cough
• Body and muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Sore throat
• Tiredness and weakness