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Influenza
The Disease | General Guidance | Respirators | Contamination | What Is Being Done?
Pandemic Influenza Has Been Declared
The recent, ongoing, and widespread outbreaks of H1N1 flu (Swine Flu) led to the WHO (World Health Organization) to elevate the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6, which indicates that a global pandemic is underway. Since this declaration, the virus has continued to spread, causing illness along with the regular seasonal flu viruses. The United States has reported the highest number of H1N1 cases, but most people have recovered without requiring medical treatment.
- CDC (Centers For Disease Control) map of Influenza Activity in the U.S.
- CDC weekly Influenza Surveillance Report
The Disease
H1N1 virus (swine flu) is thought to spread the same way as regular seasonal influenza viruses - through coughing and sneezing by people who are ill with the virus. The CDC also believes that it may be spread by touching contaminated objects, then touching your mouth or nose. Research is continuing on this mode of transmission. The H1N1 virus is reported to feature many of the same flu-like symptoms as seasonal flu, such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Some people have also reported nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
General Guidance
The CDC, WHO, and HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) are continuing to provide updated recommendations to help maintain wellness
- CDC H1N1 Flu site.
- PandemicFlu.gov, managed by the Department of Health and Human Services.
- WHO Pandemic (H1N1) site.
- Both the CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations for those in high-risk groups. Click on these links to review their recommendations: CDC, WHO.
- These experts also recommend following everyday actions to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses, such as H1N1.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand cleaners if soap and water are not available.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, and dispose of tissues promptly.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.
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Use of Facemasks or Respirators
The CDC has updated their interim guidance on the use of facemasks or N95 Respirators:
- Visit the CDC site for Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use.
- Review Interim Guidance for Facemask and Respirators on PandemicFlu.gov, hosted by HHS.
View our N95 Respirator Specification Guide for information on our respirator selection.
Please note: Due to increased demand for respirators, please check availability and order through your sales representative or local branch.
Contamination and Cleaning
Studies have shown that the influenza virus can survive on surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
- To help prevent the spread of the flu virus, keep surfaces clean by wiping them down with a disinfectant according to directions on the product label. Many chemical germicides, such as chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodine-based antiseptics, and alcohols are effective if used properly
- The flu virus is also destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). (CDC Contamination & Cleaning)
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What Is Being Done?
Nationally
WHO elevates Pandemic Alert Level for H1N1 (swine flu) virus to Phase 6
On June 11, 2009, the WHO raised the pandemic alert to Phase 6, which is defined as a pandemic.
- At this time, WHO considers the overall severity of this influenza pandemic to be moderate, meaning that most people will recover without the need for hospitalization or medical care, although this can change.
- WHO is continuing to support all countries with technical guidance, materials support, and training of healthcare personnel.
The CDC is:
- Working to identify means of reducing transmission and the severity of the illness.
- Providing information to aid healthcare providers, public health officials and the public in dealing with challenges associated with this outbreak.
- Issuing interim guidance as additional information becomes available.
- Making recommendations for use of vaccine available in October against H1N1.
Resources
- Pandemicflu.gov for current information on pandemic influenza, and the H1N1 (swine flu) virus.
- WHO's frequently asked questons about the H1N1 virus.
- CDC's guide to Federal Planning & Response Activities
- Some businesses have made fraudulent claims about their products ability to fight H1N1. Visit the FDA's Fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Influenza Products List to check on the validity of claims you may have seen.
State and Local
The CDC has recommended that state and local authorities develop plans to target high-priority populations for vaccination in order to reduce the health and societal impact from the pandemic influenza.
Resources
Healthcare
As caregivers for patients who may be infected with the H1N1 virus, healthcare workers will be directly affected in the event of a pandemic, and need to take additional precautions when working in a clinical setting.
Resources
In Educational Institutions
The U.S. Secretary of Education advises educational institutions to:
- Work with local health officials to develop a plan
- Train teachers and administrators to implement the plan
- Teach students and parents what to do in the event of a pandemic
- Avoid closing schools if at all possible
Resources
Businesses
Businesses play an important role in helping to preserve employees' health and maintain their safety. Effectively managing the wellness of employees will also help limit the negative impact of the outbreak on the individual, the community, and the nation's economy caused by absenteeism and disruption of daily operations. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce urges businesses to develop contingency plans for continued operation during a pandemic.
Resources
Travel and the Travel Industry
Since a global pandemic has been issued, travelers should take extra precautions when visiting airports, seaports, rail stations and bus depots. These venues create opportunities for the virus to spread rapidly. The CDC provides recommendations to help maintain wellness when traveling.
Resources
Community Organizations
Large community gatherings increase the potential to spread viruses and other disease causing agents. Recommendations have been updated to help avoid the spread of the H1N1 virus in such situations.