Cold and Flu Season is Here: Help us Prevent the Spread of ...

To: Patients, Families and Caregivers Date: October 2, 2017

Cold and Flu Season is Here: Help us Prevent the Spread of Germs

Every year from Fall through Spring, the number of people with cold and flu viruses increases, and the SCCA takes additional precautions to reduce infection risks to patients. If you have a weakened immune system, or are receiving cancer treatment, cold and flu viruses can be dangerous. Starting October 2, you may expect the following infection prevention steps when you come for your appointments:

You, your caregivers and family members will all be asked about cold and flu symptoms at check in for your first appointment of the day (see page 2 for Cold and Flu Symptom Survey questions).

You will be given an "I've been screened" sticker after answering the cold and flu questions from the survey. Wearing the sticker will indicate to staff in other areas that you have already been screened.

If you have cold and flu symptoms such as coughing or sneezing: o You may be asked to reschedule your visit, if it is not urgent. o If you remain in clinic, you will be asked to wear a mask, avoid busy clinic areas, and frequently wash or sanitize your hands. o Clinic staff will wear a mask, gown, and gloves while caring for you during your exam.

Infection Prevention for Families, Caregivers, & Staff Families and caregivers with cold and flu symptoms should avoid coming into the clinic until they feel better. All SCCA staff and faculty participate in a self-reported, self-screening process every day that they enter the SCCA clinic. Staff with cold and flu symptoms will not work in the clinic until they feel better.

General Cold and Flu Season Precautions Get a flu vaccine . Flu vaccines are now available at the clinic--more info available at the check-in desk. Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Sanitize your hands with hand gel or wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

 Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.

Our goal is to reduce your chances of catching a cold or the flu, and to provide a safe environment for you, your family, and your caregiver. We apologize for any inconvenience that these precautionary infection prevention steps may cause.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your doctor or nurse.

Cold/Flu Symptom Survey

During cold and flu season, you, your caregivers and family members will be asked this question when checking in for your first appointment each time you visit an SCCA Clinic. Thank you for helping us prevent the spread of germs.

1. Have you had any of the following symptoms in the past week?

Runny nose

Sputum (phlegm) production

Sinus congestion/Stuffy nose

Sore throat

Post-nasal drip

Sneezing

(drainage behind nose/throat)

Watery eyes

Shortness of breath

Ear Pain

Cough

Fever (greater 100.4?F oral)

Wheezing or chest tightness

Survey revised 10/4/16

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