Flu season is arriving, so our Bug of the Month for October is influenza

System Updates

Did you know there are more than 1,400 known species of human pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa? Each month, our Ballad Health infection prevention team is highlighting one of those pathogens, or something important in how we deal with those pathogens, that you might encounter in your work. See what you know, or can learn, about these “bugs” through our “Bug of the Month” series, and about how we can prevent spread!

This month, we’re spotlighting influenza, or the flu — the respiratory illness that gets its own season. We’re all familiar with the classic symptoms: fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose and body aches, plus a few more. To combat the flu, team members should get their annual flu shots by Nov. 4, unless they have a medical exemption or religious accommodation.

If you have questions or want more information, please reach out to your infection preventionist.