If you've been out on assignments as a travel nurse this winter, it's likely that you've encountered a lot of sniffles and coughs along the way. Cold and flu season is in full force across the U.S. Although the severity of a flu epidemic can depend on the region you are traveling to, it's always a good idea to keep yourself safe and healthy no matter where you are headed.
What frequent travelers need to know about cold and flu season
Unfortunately, people who are in transit often, such as travel nurses, are more exposed to the flu virus than others. Any place where many people are gathered in a small space can create an ample environment for the flu virus to spread.
In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Research, cold and flu germs are more likely to spread while cruising at 30,000 feet than on the ground. During the 2014-2015 flu season, flu activity has peaked to between moderate and high levels, so everyone needs to be on alert for these trends.
This means that during your travel nursing assignments, you need to be extra vigilant about keeping yourself safe from flu viruses. Nobody likes getting sick during a trip, and travel nurses could potentially expose their patients to the viruses. However, It's inevitable that you will encounter germs along the way, so try out these tips to avoid getting you or your patients sick:
1. Check flu trends in your destination before you head out: Along with your accommodations and the local weather, get updates on the current flu statistics in the area you are on assignment. Not only will this help you stay safe, but it can give you some insight into flu epidemics that your patients may be suffering from.
2. Get vaccinated: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that vaccination is important for health care workers, as they have a high risk of spreading the flu virus to others. Many U.S.-based insurance plans offer flu shots for free, and practices, clinics and even drug stores have vaccines readily available. There's no better preventative action to take during cold and flu season than getting vaccinated. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, you should receive your vaccine up to two weeks before traveling.
3. Keep your hands as clean as you can: Traveling requires you use your hands a lot. Opening doors, grabbing onto handrails, driving rental cars or taking public transit puts your hands in contact with millions of germs. As result, travel nurses need to be extra vigilant about washing their hands or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as often as possible, especially after meals or bathroom trips. Additionally, travel nurses should try to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose or mouth, as this is an easy way to spread germs.
4. Stay in good health: During travel, it's easy to forget about everyday practices that can help your well-being. However, it's crucial to eat well, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and find time for sleep and exercise, especially when your immune system is challenged during cold and flu season. Be sure to talk to your doctor about antiviral drugs to see if they might be a good fit for you as well.
The U.S. might be in the middle of cold and flu season, but that doesn't mean that travel nurses have to get sick. By taking some of these precautions, you can protect your health, as well as the well-being of your patients.