Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control will be launching a new clinical flag in Epic to better identify patients with confirmed influenza and who are considered contagious. Patients with confirmed influenza will be flagged as such for seven days. A screenshot of this flag is included below.
Two important points:
- Patients with this flag may be scheduled for ambulatory encounters and do not need negative pressure space to be seen.
- Droplet precautions should be followed. That means wearing surgical masks, KN-95s or N-95 masks, along with a face shield or other protective eyewear. As always, practice hand hygiene before and after interacting with the patient.
