As flu season approaches, healthcare workers at Midland Memorial Hospital (MMH) are encouraging the community to get their flu shots and taking proactive measures to keep staff and patients safe. According to MMH Infection Preventionist Val Sparks, the hospital has started giving seasonal flu vaccines to all employees in an effort to prevent the spread of the flu in healthcare settings. Sparks stated, "Hopefully, we can protect our patients if we are protected. If we are not sharing the flu, then hopefully they will not get the flu in our facility."
The hospital is also facing staffing challenges due to various illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and strep infections. Despite these challenges, MMH remains operational. Sparks explained, "Staffing remains challenging but not just due to flu. We have individuals out with COVID; we have individuals out with flu; we have individuals out with strep. Whatever's circulating in our community is also circulating in our employee population as well."
However, the ongoing staff absences have not directly impacted the hospital's operations, and the situation has improved from the peak of the COVID-19 epidemic. Sparks mentioned, "We are staffed as well as we have been in the last few months."
In anticipation of the flu season, MMH has implemented monitoring procedures for all flu-like illnesses. The staff is monitoring for flu A, flu B, and influenza-like illnesses through the emergency department and reporting the data to the Texas Department of Health Services.
To learn more about flu prevention and healthcare services at Midland Memorial Hospital, visit their website at https://www.midlandhealth.org/.