With flu activity high in our community and across our hospitals, masking is one of the simplest and most effective tools we have to protect our patients, our teammates and our community. We spoke with Hospital Epidemiologist and Antibiotic Stewardship Director Dr. Kent Stock about what to know—and what to ignore—when it comes to the flu and masking.
Q. We’re seeing a lot of flu activity right now. How does masking help during a surge like this?
A: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), masks help by reducing how far respiratory droplets travel and how many are released into the air. This lowers the chance that the virus reaches another person. Studies show that wearing a mask significantly reduces the spread of the flu, especially when worn by someone who is sick. Masking is most effective when combined with other prevention strategies like vaccination, hand hygiene and staying home when sick.
Q. One common misconception is that the flu isn’t very serious. What’s important for people to understand?
A: The flu can be very serious, particularly for children, older adults and people with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems. While there is variability in the severity amongst strains, the potential for causing significant morobidty and mortality is present. Each year, influenza leads to hospitalizations and, sadly, deaths.
Q. Can you still carry the flu even if you don’t have symptoms?
A: Yes. People can carry and spread the flu before they ever feel sick. There’s a period of time between when you first get infected and when your immune system responds with symptoms. You are most contagious during the presymptomatic phase and early symptomatic phase.
Q. Is it too late to get a flu shot and still have it be effective?
A: No, it’s not too late. As long as flu viruses are still circulating, getting vaccinated can still provide meaningful protection. Even later in the season, the flu shot can reduce your risk of getting sick and help lessen the severity of illness if you do get the flu.
Q. Does this year’s flu vaccine protect against the strain going around?
A: There is some evidence that the current flu shot, while not a perfect match to the H3N2 subclade K evolved strain of influenza A in circulation, offers antibodies that provide some protection.
Q. How does the flu spread?
A: The flu spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the flu virus and then touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose or mouth. Avoiding large indoor group gatherings can also reduce the risk of transmission, particularly if you don’t feel well.
Q. Why prevention still matters during a flu surge
Masking, vaccination and good hygiene work together to protect patients, visitors and teammates, including those who may be most vulnerable to serious illness.
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