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Flu is spreading across Virginia faster than usual for this time of year, and the West Coast is seeing a sharp early rise in cases and hospitalizations. Experts are still learning about this season’s main strain, but vaccination remains our best protection against serious illness.

“We’re seeing flu activity earlier than we typically would, and we want to get ahead of it,” said Costi Sifri, MD, Hospital Epidemiologist, University Medical Center. “Our team’s commitment to getting vaccinated puts us in a strong position to protect our patients this season, but we want to encourage an even greater response given the early rise of flu activity this season. We urge our team members to make flu vaccination part of every appropriate patient encounter this season.”

To stay prepared, please take a moment to review the following guidance:

1. Thank you for getting vaccinated. This year’s employee flu vaccine campaign closed Oct. 31 with participation. Your efforts came at the right time and help protect our patients, our colleagues and our ability to care for our community through a season that may be demanding.

2. Masking: required and encouraged. If you are not vaccinated against flu, please remember that masking is required. If you are vaccinated, please consider wearing a mask in patient care areas as an extra layer of protection as an additional precaution.

3. Help spread the word, not the flu. Our community looks to us for health guidance. Encourage patients, family and friends to get a flu shot if they haven’t yet. Anyone 6 months and older who hasn’t been vaccinated should get the vaccine now with rare exceptions. Vaccinations can be scheduled during a primary care visit or at a local pharmacy.

4. Stay home when sick. If you have fever or respiratory symptoms, stay home and follow Employee Health guidance.

We’re closely monitoring local and national flu activity and reviewing our readiness for a possible increase in patients. Watch for updates if our guidance changes.