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What is swine flu?
This respiratory disease is caused by a Type A
influenza virus (H1N1) that has elements of the pig, human, and bird flu viruses. TThe swine flu virus
does not infect humans often, but this hybrid virus has been successful in spreading through human-to-human
contact. On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the pandemic alert to level 6 out of 6
meaning the global outbreak of swine flu has begun. The U.S. Government had previously declared a public
health emergency.
How is the flu spread from person to person?
The H1N1 flu virus is spread the same way the seasonal flu virus is spread. You can catch it by being within the breathing zone (3-6 feet) of an infected person in a contained space. In most instances, the virus is transmitted by direct contact with a cough or sneeze from an infected person. To a lesser extent, the flu can be spread when a person touches a surface that is contaminated and then transfers the virus to their nose, mouth, or eyes via touching. Persons with the flu should be considered contagious as long as the person has symptoms for up to 7 days. Children may be contagious for longer than a week.
How can I stay healthy and avoid getting the flu?
Wash your hands frequently. Eat nutritious foods, drink plenty of fluids, exercise, manage stress, and get plenty of rest. Avoid people who are sick and try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth after touching public surfaces. H1N1 influenza is not spread by eating pork. In fact, the virus would be destroyed by cooking.
How can I protect myself from getting the flu?
Everyday practices of good hygiene can help you avoid infection. Wash your hands frequently for 15-20 seconds with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Alcohol hand sanitizers are also effective and do not require water. The virus can be viable on surfaces for several hours. Clean surfaces that may come into contact with the face or hands, like phone handsets, with alcohol wipes. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Follow public health advice regarding social distancing measures such as school closures and avoiding crowds.
If you do get sick with symptoms of fever (100.4° or higher), body aches, coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, runny nose, vomitting or diarrhea, stay home from work or school for your own good and for the good of others. You may call your health care provider who can tell you if testing is required and could prescribe an antiviral medication, if necessary. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and wash your hands frequently. Dispose of used tissues. The CDC has provided guidance for home care on their web site.
What can a Doctor do for me?
A doctor can perform a test to determine if you have H1N1 flu and prescribe an antiviral medication. There are two antiviral drugs available to treat this strain of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). These drugs prevent the virus from replicating in your body and can lessen the symptoms of the disease and prevent serious complications of the flu. The drugs work best if started within 2 days of infection. Anti-viral drugs may also be given to persons who must be around infected individuals to help prevent the flu. They are 70-90% effective when used preventatively.
As a business, what should be considered in our planning?
Planning and preparation are key elements to weathering a potential storm. Employers play critical roles in protecting employee safety and limiting the spread of the virus. As part of your contingency planning you should consider how to perform critical functions in the case of a reduced workforce, develop sick-leave policies that do not penalize sick employees and take into account the potential need of workers to care for a family member. Consider work-at-home or other physical distancing policies to reduce face-to-face contact where possible. Provide employees and customers with infection control supplies such as hand sanitizer or tissues. For more information on workplace planning and preparedness, visit the OSHA Guide for Preparing Workplaces.
Other resources for businesses:
Flu Prevention Starter Kit
A widespread outbreak of illness, whether it be seasonal flu, swine flu or another infection has the potential to cause disruptions in the workplace, schools and in essential services. Promote prevention and self-care with this new set of products.
Kit includes:
- 50 brochures
- 6 poster titles
- Disaster Prep checklist
- FREE BONUS: Swine Flu & Other Pandemic Events audio conference CD (a $159 value)
Additional brochures and poster sets available.
Flu Information for Workplaces and Employees from the CDC.
Corporate Pandemic Preparedness, white paper by Marsh-Albright
(09/2007, pdf)
Personal Best Audio Conference:
Swine Flu & Other Pandemic Events:
Leadership Checklist for Protecting Your Employees & Your Business
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