Flu alert status now in effect
Flu activity is elevated nationwide, and hospitalization rates are the highest recorded so far during the 2026-2027 season. In response, Infection Prevention & Control has activated Influenza Alert status.
What this means for the UTSW community:
- Healthcare providers, students, and trainees must display proof of influenza vaccination, indicated by a blue sticker on their employee badge, before entering patient care units and procedural areas.
- Employees who have not received the influenza vaccine must wear a mask when entering these areas.
- Supervisors can verify which employees are unvaccinated through the ReadySet supervisor tab.
- Visitors displaying symptoms of a respiratory infection should be advised not to visit patients. Those who enter a facility should be educated about appropriate preventive measures, including wearing a mask.
Current respiratory virus activity
Approximately 13.8% of influenza tests in Dallas County are positive, and that percentage is expected to increase in the coming weeks.
Influenza A (H1N1) is the dominant strain reported locally, statewide, and nationally:
- Dallas County: 83.1%
- Texas: 83.2%
- Nationwide: 98.5%
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, activity remains low, with 3.5% of tests from area surveillance sites returning positive.
Employees can find frequently asked questions, symptom guidance, and additional influenza-related resources on UT Southwestern’s flu website.
Preventing the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses is a shared responsibility. Thank you for helping protect our patients, colleagues, and community.
If you are sick and need guidance on returning to work, please visit the Occupational Health website.