H1N1 (SWINE FLU) UPDATE FOR FACILITIES

 

July 2009 - Since the first reported cases of a novel flu virus (H1N1) emerged in Mexico and the United States in April 2009, the disease has spread globally.  On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the first pandemic in 41 years.  Most cases are mild and require no treatment, but novel H1N1 influenza virus still has the potential to reappear, possibly with increased severity, after several months time (multiple ‘waves’ are common with pandemics).

 

Symptoms of novel H1N1 (swine) flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with novel H1N1 flu.  Currently, people are who pregnant or have underlying health conditions appear to be at greater risk for developing a severe illness. 

 

Also similar to human seasonal flu, the novel H1N1 virus spreads person-to-person via respiratory droplets.  That means when someone sneezes or coughs they release the virus into the environment—potentially contaminating other people and surfaces.  If a contaminated finger or surface then comes into contact with a person’s mucous membranes (e.g. eyes, nose, and mouth), the person can become infected.  Infected people can be contagious up to 24 hours prior to developing symptoms and up to a week after symptom onset (though this period can be longer for kids).  Also, flu virus on surfaces generally remains viable for several hours.

 

What should businesses do moving forward?

 

Prevention and preparedness—with a focus on good hygiene and robust planning—are two areas to emphasize that can help mitigate the impact of any outbreak.  In particular, creating an atmosphere that encourages sound health and hygiene is the foundation of a basic flu prevention strategy. 

 

For example, some basic protective measures that can be implemented in an office environment during a mild influenza pandemic are as follows:

 

  1. Employees should wash their hands regularly and cover their coughs/sneezes with a clean tissue (preferably) or the crook of the arm
  2. Employees should avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth
  3. Employees should consider getting the seasonal flu vaccine during flu season (October through May)
  4. Employees should consider getting a vaccine for the current novel flu strain (e.g. the Swine Flu/Influenza A H1N1), when it becomes available
  5. Employees should consider getting the pneumococcal vaccine, if recommended (www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-ppv.pdf).
  6. Alcohol-based hand sanitizing solution and hand soap should be made readily available in bathrooms and common areas and should be used frequently
  7. Tissues should be made readily available throughout offices 
  8. Employees should NOT share cups, plates, or eating utensils. 
  9. Employees should be alert for the physical well-being of coworkers and let a supervisor know if someone appears ill
  10. Disinfectants, with appropriate disposal receptacles, should be made available for employees to clean their work surfaces
  11. Employees should be sure to practice healthy habits (proper diet, rest, exercise, etc.)
  12. Sick employees (with a fever >1000) should stay home from work for 7 days after symptoms begin or until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer
  13. Supervisors should provide masks to persons exhibiting fever or any respiratory symptoms while in the work place; persons presenting with fevers greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit should be sent home immediately or isolated until transportation is arranged
  14. Employees who travel internationally consult the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for up-to-date warnings and recommendations (wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx)

 

Additionally, preparedness efforts should focus on plans and policies related to business continuity in the event of a major outbreak.  Are there plans in place that address staffing shortages?  What about supply or service interruptions?  Are improvements needed?  Have you taken into consideration the impact of extended school closures or other potential community disease control measures?  Do you have the capacity to implement alternate work flows, schedules, or sites?

 

For more information on influenza preparedness and the current novel Influenza A H1N1 outbreak:

 

·         United States Flu information and updates: www.flu.gov

·         World Health Organization: www.who.int/en/

·         United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health: www.osha.gov/Publications/influenza_pandemic.html

 

For help preparing for a flu pandemic, please contact O’Brien’s Response Management Inc.  We have full-time staff members with advanced degrees in epidemiology and ample experience developing pandemic influenza plans, trainings, and exercises for clients—including multiple cities, counties, states, and corporations.  If interested, you can contact us by calling +1 (281) 320-9796 or by emailing Clint Ladd (clinton.ladd@obriensrm.com) for more information.