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Influenza A [H1N1] Virus
SWINE FLU |
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Who should be vaccinated?
Contact your physician for H1N1 vaccine availability. High risk groups include: • Pregnant women, and infant caregivers • Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel • EVERYONE between ages 6 months and 24 years should be vaccinated, those between 25 and 64 with health issues should as well
Acquire necessary types of PPE and cleaning supplies.
Masks Respiratory Protective
Coveralls
Boots and
Shoe Covers
Eyewear Disposable
Gloves
Biohazard Response Kits
Maintain business continuity:
Monitor normal absenteeism for unusual increases in flu-related absenteeism. Have flexible workplace strategies to include leave policies for affected workers. Protect your workforce while ensuring continuity of operations. Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Preventative Measures – Protect Yourself Wash hands with soap and water thoroughly and often. Avoid close contact with sick people (those with fever and cough). Get vaccinated – contact your physician for H1N1 vaccine availability. Practice good health habits (sleeping, eating, keeping physically active).
• Seek medical advice immediately • Keep a distance of at least three feet from other people • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing • Dispose of tissues properly immediately after use • Get plenty of rest and plenty of fluids • Wash your hands often • Avoid travel
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus?
H1N1 is a major flu strain that can infect many people. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Also there can be diarrhea and vomiting. Most will experience mild illness, while severe or fatal in some cases in certain groups of people.
What’s the difference between seasonal flu and pandemic flu?
The age groups affected by the pandemic are generally younger. This is true for those who infect easily, which can lead to severe or fatal illness. To date, most severe cases and deaths have occurred in adults under the age of 50 years, with deaths in the elderly comparatively rare. This is in stark contrast with seasonal flu, where around 90% of severe and fatal cases occur in people 65 years of age or older.
How does it spread?
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes infection occurs through touching surfaces or objects – with flu viruses on it – and then touching the mouth or nose. Be Prepared Avoid hugging, kissing and shaking hands when greeting. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Stay Informed
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1-800-232-4636 | www.cdc.gov
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
1-800-321-OSHA | www.osha.gov
World Health Organization
1-202-974-3000 | www.who.int
American Red Cross
1-202-303-5000 | www.redcross.org |