Guidance for the 2025/26 Respiratory Illness Season

With transmission of respiratory illnesses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and cold viruses beginning to increase this fall, we are sending a reminder about the importance of infection prevention and control (IPAC) guidance for health-care facilities during viral respiratory illness (VRI) season.

 

 

Staff and medical staff are reminded to follow Island Health IPAC routine practices​ appropriate for their work location, including:

• ​Practicing appropriate hand hygiene
• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by a point of care risk assessment (PCRA) or when additional precautions (such as droplet and contact precautions) are indicated
• Avoiding work or visits when experiencing fever, cough, sore throat and other symptoms
• Staying up to date on vaccinations

 

Vaccinations are strongly recommended for all staff and medical staff as a critical measure to protect both health care workers and patients. Staying current with vaccinations ensures a robust defense against VRIs. We recommend you get your influenza vaccine now. 

 

COVID-19 vaccine is also available for everyone and is recommended for HCW and people with comorbidities Both vaccines are available at pharmacies and you can book your appointment online through the Get Vaccinated system. Island Health staff and medical staff are required self-report their influenza vaccination status, regardless of where they received their vaccines. 

 

Report your status:

• ​Employee Self-Reporting​
• Medical Staff Self-Reporting​

 

 

Staff and medical staff may return to work when they no longer have a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine) and feel well enough to work. There is no specific time frame before returning to work; it is based on your symptoms and ability to resume normal activities. 

 

 

To minimize the risks of disease transmission, discourage visitors from entering Island Health settings if they have symptoms of a viral illness, such as a VRI or gastroenteritis. If visiting is necessary, they must follow local IPAC guidance, which may include wearing PPE when visiting patients on additional precautions.

 

Health-care workers, staff, medical staff, patients, clients, residents and visitors all play an essential role in maintaining a safe environment for all. Adherence to the IPAC principles is vital for safeguarding public health. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact your supervisor.