Some helpful hints regarding H1N1 (Swine Flu)
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H1N1 (Swine Flu) - What you need to know
The flu season is upon us and due to the additional threat of the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as Swine Flu, it's more important than ever that you take precautions to protect yourself and your coworkers.
What is the H1N1 virus?
The H1N1 virus is a new strain of flu that is spread mainly from person to person when infected people sneeze or cough around others, or by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching your eyes, mouth or nose. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to seasonal flu symptoms and include fever or chills and a cough or sore throat. Infected persons may also experience runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting.
What steps can you take to protect yourself and your coworkers?
We recommend that you take the following actions to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus at work.
- If you are ill, please stay home and do not come to work. The most important step you can take to protect yourself and your co-workers is to stay home when you are ill. We ask that employees with flu-like symptoms stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medicines).
- If you become ill at work, go home. We hope that you elect to do this anyway, but your supervisor may also send you home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms at work.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Be sure to vigorously scrub for 15-20 seconds before rinsing. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based sanitizers are also effective.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Cough into a tissue or your sleeve rather than your hand to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are commonly spread this way!
- Clean hard surfaces and items that are likely to come in contact with hands. The flu virus can live up to eight (8) hours on hard surfaces, so it is important to clean these surfaces and items often.
- Get vaccinated if your physician deems it appropriate. Seasonal flu vaccine is available now. The H1N1 vaccine is projected for release in October. The initial availability may be limited to certain high-risk populations including pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than six (6) months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people age 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. More information regarding the H1N1 vaccine will be distributed as it becomes available. As always, we recommend that you follow the advice of your physician regarding the appropriateness of these vaccinations; however, if your doctor deems it appropriate, we encourage you to get vaccinated!
- Prepare for school or child care closings. Develop alternate child care plans that can be implemented if your child's school or day care closes.
- Stay in good health by getting plenty of sleep, eating nutritious foods, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and being physically active.
