GUIDANCE
REGARDING THE NOVEL INFLUENZA A (H1N1)
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Outbreaks of a novel strain of the H1N1 influenza (previously known as Swine Flu) have been detected in humans in multiple states in the United States as well as Mexico and other countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with the World Health Organization (WHO) are diligently investigating reported outbreaks in the United States and internationally. In addition, CDC has prepared guidance and recommendations on steps that HHS employees can take to protect their health and the health of their friends and families.

Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

What is the novel Influenza A (H1N1)?
The novel Influenza A (H1N1) is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get H1N1, but human infections can and do happen. H1N1 viruses have been reported to spread from person to person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

What are the symptoms?
Employees should be on alert for the symptoms of influenza. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the novel influenza A (H1N1). If you exhibit symptoms, you should request leave from your supervisor, stay home, and limit contact with other people to prevent the spread of infection. Seek appropriate medical attention, and follow any instructions from your primary care provider.

Is this novel influenza A (H1N1) virus contagious? And how does it spread?
CDC has determined that this novel influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. Spread of this new H1N1 flu virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching contaminated objects or surfaces with flu viruses on them and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.


II. PREVENTION MEASURES

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the novel influenza A (H1N1). There are everyday actions, however, that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like H1N1 influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health and avoid spreading the flu:

Practice good hygiene.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not readily available. However, they must be >60% alcohol. Rub your hands with sanitizer vigorously until it is dried.
• Washing hands vigorously for 15-20 seconds is essential, especially after the following activities:
    o Before preparing or eating food
    o After going to the bathroom or assisting someone with personal needs
    o Before and after tending to someone who is sick
    o After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
    o After handling an animal or animal waste
    o After handling garbage
    o Before and after treating a cut or wound
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with infected people or people who exhibit signs of illness.
• If you or a family member gets sick with influenza, CDC recommends staying home from work or school and limiting contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Try not to touch potentially contaminated surfaces.
• Influenza viruses can persist on both nonporous and porous environmental surfaces for hours to days depending on a variety of human and environmental factors. The secondary spread of infectious virus from environmental reservoirs to susceptible persons is accomplished primarily via hand transfer (i.e., hand contact with contaminated surfaces and then touching mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth).
• Proper hand washing or hand hygiene, coupled with respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette is the principal means of interrupting this transfer. Routine cleaning and disinfection strategies used during influenza seasons could be applied to the environmental management of the current influenza outbreak.

All employees should self-monitor for fever and any symptoms that include cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, muscle aches, and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea. Employees should contact their supervisor and request sick leave if they become ill. Employees should also refrain from traveling while ill.

There are antiviral medications for prevention and treatment of H1N1 that a doctor can prescribe.
 

III. HELPFUL Links and Resources:
General Information
CDC: U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/index.htm

OPM Pandemic Website
http://www.opm.gov/pandemic/

HHS Pandemic Website
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

Knox County Health Department
http://www.knoxcounty.org/health/index.php
http://knoxcounty.org/health/emer_prepare/pandemic_flu.php

 
Preparing the Workplace for a Pandemic
Follow this guide to prepare your business clients for a possible avian flu pandemic
(Tennessee Bar Journal, February 2008)
http://tba.org/journal_new/index.php/component/content/article/233?ed=2

Pandemic Planning Assumptions
(Source: Centers for Disease Control)
 

• Up to 200 million people infected; 40-90 million people clinically ill
• 20-46 million outpatient medical visits; 360,000-9,600,000 people hospitalized
• Death estimates vary—some top 350 million
• Variable levels of absenteeism from all sectors of the workforce(5-40%)
• US economic losses estimated at $71-$166 billion
• Many geographic areas affected at the same time
• Assume 8 weeks in the first wave of confirmed pan flu cases
  
  Consequences:
• Extreme staff shortages
• Overwhelming demand for services
• Healthcare
• First responder
• Limited supplies
• Disruptions in transportation
• Reduced reliability on communications, power, water, fuel availability, transportation service
• Reduced reliability on contractor services (maintenance and repair)