November 30, 2022

Grand Rounds Update

Sherrill Brown, M.D., Medical Director of Infection Prevention, presented at the Tuesday, November 29 Special Grand Rounds, Infectious Diseases Update.

Topics Discussed

• Review Surge Level and Calls-to-Action
• Updates to Processes
• Flu Update
• RSV Update
• COVID-19 Update
• Monkeypox Update

Resources

• Presentation Slides
• WebEx Video Recording
• Infection Control Page on Town Square

We Are in a Tri-Demic

The “tri-demic" is essentially a triple threat from the spread of influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. At AltaMed, we are experiencing increases in patient visits and walk-ins; calls to the Patient Service Center; extended wait times in clinics and urgent cares; and staff call-out.

Remember

• Report staff call-out via the central reporting process.
• Staff should not be working if they are sick. Please contact Employee Health for instructions.
• Staff returning from illness should wear, at minimum, a KN95 or N95 mask at all times (when not eating or drinking), and keep a minimum of six feet distance when masks are removed until symptoms are resolved.
• Mask up when out and about. Note: Masks are required at all times at every AltaMed location.
• Wash your hands frequently.

COVID-19 Bivalent Booster

AltaMed continues to provide the updated COVID-19 bivalent booster to all employees. See the attached list of locations and times to receive the booster.

• Stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines.
• Mask when indoors and in crowded spaces.
• Wash hands frequently; avoid kissing, hugging, shaking hands, and sharing food.
• Increase ventilation/filtration.
• Get tested for COVID-19; have antigen tests at home.
• Repeat testing if you experience any symptoms or are exposed to COVID-19, especially prior to gatherings and post-crowded gatherings.

When to Contact Employee Health

• If you are experiencing any COVID-19-like symptoms.
• If you test positive for COVID-19 using a home kit (cannot be used to confirm COVID-19).
• If you have a confirmed exposure to COVID-19.
• If you have questions or concerns regarding the COVID-19 protocol.

Employees must first contact Employee Health via email or by calling (323) 765-6153 to determine if they qualify for COVID-19 pay, which has been extended through

December 31, 2022. Note: COVID-19 pay is only available for documented COVID-19

illness; other illnesses must go through regular PTO/sick process.

Influenza Update from the CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that, from October 1 through November 5, 2022, influenza has accounted for:

• 2,800,000 – 6,600,000 illnesses.
• 1,400,000 – 3,300,000 medical visits.
• 23,000 – 48,000 hospitalizations.
• 1,300 – 3,600 deaths.

Free Employee Flu Vaccinations

It's not too late to get your free flu shot — see the attached list of locations and times.

• If you receive the flu vaccine outside of AltaMed, you must send proof of the vaccination to Employee Health.
• Complete the consent form before getting your flu shot:
• Employee Influenza Vaccine Consent Form (English) 2022 – 2023
• Employee Influenza Vaccine Consent Form (Spanish) 2022 – 2023
• For employees declining the flu vaccine, complete the Employee AltaMed Influenza Vaccine Declination 2022 – 2023.

Track the Flu Near You

• Track the flu in your area with the CDC’s flu tracking link.

How to Have Healthy Holiday Gatherings

• Avoid getting sick.
• Get vaccinated.
• Wear your mask indoors and outside of your home (kids, too, while indoors at school).
• Wash your hands for the full 20 seconds and carry hand sanitizer.
• Avoid shaking hands, kissing, and hugging (say hello with an elbow bump).
• Test before you go. Test, at a minimum, the day of your event; consider also two days ahead.
• Stay home if you are feeling ill.
• Wear a mask around everyone.
• Protect those at risk.
• Babies, especially those younger than six months, should be kept home and away from hugging and kissing relatives.
• Older adults are recommended to wear a mask, get vaccinated, and follow hand hygiene protocols.
• Improve the ventilation/filtration in your home or gathering area; consider a decrease in crowding indoors.
• If someone gets sick, have a plan for testing and treatment ASAP.

Questions and Communications

We welcome your Infection Prevention questions, suggestions, and input — click here. Know that this is a safe space and most questions will be answered individually prior to being shared anonymously with staff. Visit the Town Square home page for information.

Please Note: If you are contacted by the media with questions about the coronavirus outbreak or for any other reason, email Christina Sanchez, Vice President, Public Affairs. The Public Relations team monitors all media coverage of AltaMed (social and traditional platforms) to uphold our reputation. If you have questions and concerns regarding media coverage, call Christina at (310) 420-1135. If you would like to read news releases from AltaMed, visit our external website, AltaMed.org under Newsroom.