Seasonal and H1N1 FLU
Prevention, are you ready?
* The H1N1 virus continues
to circulate in the United States and more than 120 other countries, especially in the southern hemisphere, where flu season
is underway.
* WHO (World Health Organization)
declared a global pandemic om June 11, 2009.
* The H1N1 virus is not an airborne virus except in droplet form.
* Transmission is through direct contact and most likely passed via hands.
* The CDC is mildly surprised that the H1N1 virus is contuining to cause illness during the summer
months when the flu is not common.
* Individuals
over 60 years of age are most likely to have immunity built up for this virus.
* However according to the CDC young people have no immunity to the virus. To date the most affected
age groups are 5-24 years of age.
* The Swine
flu can survive for 2-8 hours on surfaces.
*
The Swine flu virus is transferred when an individual contacts the virus and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth before
washing their hands.
* An individual is considered
contagious from day 1 day before they exhibit symptoms to 7 days after they become ill.
* The CDC recommends individuals stay in isolation for 7 days after the onset of illness or 24 hours
after symptoms are gone.
* The southern hemisphere
is considered an indicator of what to expect in the U.S. because they are in their main flu season right now.
* Australia in the state of New South Wales (the most populated area)
is experiencing absenteeism in businesses of around 60% and expects the average individual to have the flu 2 times this season.
Steps to Reduce the risk of infection:
*
Frequent hand washing is a key, using antimicrobial soap with up to 6 hours of residual killing action will reduce the risk
of transfer between hand washings.
*Wash hands
for a minimum of 20 seconds, rinse well and thoroughly dry.
*Frequent
use of a hand sanitizer when a sink is not available,
*Avoid
crowds, if you cannot, try to keep a safe distance from others (3-6 feet) to avoid the risk of droplet contamination.
*Get plenty of sleep to keep the immune system strong.
*Get plenty of exercise for the same reason.
*Stay home if you are experiencing flu symptoms (fatigue, fever, nausea, etc.).
Clean Hands Save Lives!
