Risky Business: Novel H1N1 Flu Now at Phase 6
Risky Business: Novel H1N1 Flu Now at Phase 6
In the midst of all the other concerns that we have as the general public and as employers or employees, we now need to keep abreast of what’s happening with the flu pandemic since the World Health Organization has raised its level to Phase 6. This flu is categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a moderately severe pandemic. This phase is based on geographic spread which now includes 76 countries as of this writing.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that as of June 18 there were 39,620 cases reported worldwide. In the U.S. there have been 17,855 cases reported with more concentration in New England (mainly Massachusetts), New York and New Jersey. The CDC also reports that this virus tends to affect younger people more than the elderly as is more common with the seasonal flu. According to the CDC information, most of the hospitalizations have occurred in children younger than five. Fifty-seven percent of the reported cases are in people between five and 24 years of age. A vaccine is being developed against this flu and is anticipated to be available in the fall. CDC indicates that the usual vaccine against the seasonal flu will also be available this year.
The symptoms of Novel H1N1 are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
An official from the CDC provided the following comment in a press conference recently:
“In terms of recommendations to the public, if you have symptoms of flu -- and by "symptoms of flu," we mean a fever that you measure and that's at least 100 Fahrenheit, along with either cough or sore throat, and you also have an underlying condition, such as asthma, which has been the most common underlying condition we've seen, or you are pregnant, or for an infant under the age of 2, see your doctor to see about treatment.”
Below are some of the highlights of the information provided by the CDC on its Web site at www.cdc.gov/h1n1/qa.htm:
How does this new H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of this H1N1 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 by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- 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.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where people have been identified with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.
In summary, the CDC has been encouraging and advising us to develop a plan for handling this type of disaster. In many communities the local governments and the Chambers of Commerce have been providing assistance to employers to prepare for a pandemic. If you haven’t begun that process, it’s not too late to begin. Remember, don’t allow workers to come to work sick when they have a disease that can be spread to others!
