Masking Guidance and Flu

Masking Guidance for Clinical Settings During Seasonal

Influenza and in Consideration of COVID-19 Community Transmission

Summary of revisions: 10/06/2022 Document created

11/04/2022

Algorithm wording amended to defer to policy as to what areas of the facility require masking

11/09/22 Updated Flu Season Masking criteria from October – March to November - March

PURPOSE

• Provides guidance for appropriate respiratory protection during Flu Season (October – March) in alignment with HCA Healthcare’s Communicable Disease Preparation Policy (HR.ER.006) and the CDC’s guidance for respiratory protection during COVID-19 (here).

SCOPE

• Clinical Settings

1. Review algorithm in this document

PROCESS

2. Consult with Division to confirm alignment and strategy for monitoring COVID-19 Community Transmission Levels and adjusting universal source control as appropriate

3. With Division support, adjust facility protocols to maintain alignment with CDC

CONSIDERATIONS

• In acknowledgement that influenza vaccines are received at facilities throughout the month of October, masking requirement based on Flu vaccination status should be in full enforcement by colleague managers and HR by November 1st

• In some years, influenza season has an extended duration (such as into April) in specific regions. Local health departments may recommend masking to meet that timeline.

RESOURCES

• CDC Community Transmission Map

• CDC Community Level Map

• COG Workforce Health and Safety Atlas Site

• COG Infection Prevention COVID Page

Questions? Please contact your Division Infection Preventionist or Employee Health Lead or email CORP.WorkforceHealthandSafety@HCAHealthcare.com or CORPIP@HCAHealthcare.com

Masking Guidance for Clinical Settings During Seasonal Influenza and in Consideration of COVID-19 Community Transmission

Colleague received annual flu vaccine?

COVID-19 Community Transmission Level

• Universal masking optional at the facility

• For patient care settings and activities , utilize appropriate respiratory PPE

• For areas restricted from patient access, universal masking optional

• For areas where patients may be encountered, universal masking required

• For patient care settings and activities , utilize appropriate respiratory PPE

LOW/MEDIUM HIGH

• Mask at all times in the facility November – March per policy HR .ER.006

• Utilize appropriate respiratory PPE for task and setting

• Universal masking required throughout facility

• For patient care settings and activities, utilize appropriate respiratory PPE