In case you missed it, Dr. Andy this week shared the new policy "2020-07 Influenza Vaccination Policy for Healthcare Personnel," noting that it puts us "in alignment with almost all the other hospitals/health systems in Connecticut and represents UConn Health’s commitment to protecting our patients and our colleagues." So far we've administered nearly 3,200 flu shots, which gets us about a third of the way to full compliance. If you have haven't gotten your flu shot yet, the sooner the better! Note the upcoming flu shot clinics in the academic rotunda Tuesday, Nov. 3, (8a-2p) and Thursday, Nov. 5, (8a-1p). See Lifeline or our flu vaccination program page for additional information.

Meet Karen Walsh, who this summer, at age 41, suffered a stroke. Her husband was able to get her to our ED quickly enough for the timely intervention needed to remove the clot and minimize brain damage. Read her story, including how her road to recovery was a guest appearance this week at our second annual Stroke Survivor Symposium. (Today is World Stroke Day.)

Thanks for your note, concern and suggestion, which I shared with our leaders in infection control and supply. Dr. David Banach, our hospital epidemiologist, clarifies that the issue isn’t an inability to obtain level 3 masks, rather it is that N95 masks are more appropriate for the particular situation. He explains that ASTM Level 3 masks are essentially surgical masks used in operative settings. Although Level 3 masks do provide significant protection against splashes, sprays and fluids, including respiratory droplets, N95 respirators provide the highest level of filtration against viruses that can be transmitted through aerosols. As such, N95 respirators are used in specific settings in which there is concern for aerosol generation in the environment. While these respirators can be uncomfortable, their higher level of filtration is what’s most important when employees are working in such settings. Thanks again for the question.