NYS Nurses Association
All About the Flu
- New: Release — NYSNA commends passage of legislation to reform healthcare rulemaking process
- The NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) is encouraging current vaccine providers to pre-book now to ensure that sufficient amounts of influenza vaccine will be available to protect vulnerable patients and staff for the 2010-2011 flu season. | NYSDOH Letter (.pdf)
Health officials are predicting at least two, and possibly more, surges of influenza through the end of 2010. The first, which has already occurred, is the novel H1N1 influenza A virus (swine flu) that was first identified in the spring of 2009. A second wave of novel H1N1 has already begun and is currently widespread throughout most of the U.S. Seasonal flu, which usually peaks in February or March, will most likely circulate with this second wave. Health experts predict that both influenza viruses could circulate until May 2010.
Flu epidemics have a profound impact on nurses and other healthcare professionals, both personally and professionally. Return to this section of our website often for the most current information on:
- Influenza symptoms and transmission
- Influenza cases in the U.S.
- Emergencies & preparedness
- Protection for nurses in the workplace
- Flu vaccination
A new podcast, “Influenza and immunization” by NYSNA Occupational Health & Safety Representative Thomas Lowe, RN, discusses the characteristics of the H1N1 flu, the H1N1 vaccine, and voluntary vs. mandatory flu vaccinations for healthcare personnel.