BEING PREPARED FOR SWINE INFLUENZA
What
is swine flu?
Swine flu
is a respiratory disease which infects pigs. It does not
normally infect humans, although sporadic cases do occur,
usually in people who have had close contact with pigs.
How contagious is swine
flu?
Human-to-human
transmission has occurred in some instances but is typically
limited to close physical contact and closed groups of people.
Why should I be concerned
about swine flu?
If the virus
adapts so that it can spread easily from person to person,
it could cause a pandemic, resulting in:
• widespread disease outbreaks
• restrictions on the movement of people
• potentially large numbers of sick and dying
• business closures and transport systems disruptions
What are the symptoms
of swine flu?
Clinical symptoms generally
are similar to seasonal influenza. Infected individuals report:
• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• muscle aches, headache
• sudden breathing problems
• other possible symptoms: diarrhea and vomiting
What is the difference
between flu and a cold?
• Flu symptoms are usually
more severe than cold symptoms and can affect the whole
body. Flu usually starts suddenly with high fever, chills,
severe body aches, extreme tiredness, headache, and dry
cough. A person with the flu is contagious for 24 hours
before becoming sick and for 3-5 days after becoming sick.
• Colds are generally milder than flu and usually
affect just the nose and throat. Colds begin slowly with
a sore or scratchy throat, sneezing, and runny or stuffy
nose; a mild cough develops a few days later. Fever is
rare in adults and older children, and extreme tiredness
is not a cold symptom.
How can I prevent swine
flu?
Personal health practices
• Hand washing is the single most effective
way to prevent spread of infections.
– Wash your hands frequently with soap
and water. Use waterless sanitizing gel if soap and water
are unavailable.
– Wash your hands after sneezing, coughing,
blowing your nose, or using any shared keyboards, phones,
or tools.
– Wash your hands prior to touching your
face, mouth, or nose, and before eating.
– Wash your hands after contact with any
ill person.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you
cough or sneeze.
• Keep your distance – at least 3 feet –
from people who are ill, coughing, or sneezing.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Eat, rest, and exercise
in moderation.
• Get a regular flu shot if available. This will not
prevent swine flu, but it can decrease the chance of confusing
regular seasonal flu with swine flu.
• In a pandemic, avoid crowds and public transport.
Vaccines: There are no human
swine flu vaccines available yet.
Antiviral medications: Prescription
antiviral drugs can help prevent the disease if you have
been exposed and can be used to treat swine flu, but supplies
are very limited.
How can I prepare at
home?
Supply your home with
the following:
• cough and congestion supplies: tissues,
surgical masks, decongestants, cough suppressants, fever
medication
• alcohol-based hand cleaners
• food and water to last for 10-15 days or more, as
circumstances dictate
• flashlight and batteries
• reliable thermometer for humans
• clean water supply or home purification system
• sufficient cash (if banks, ATMs are unavailable)
• key documents and ID (passport, government issued
IDs, health records, health insurance papers)
• medical supplies including prescription medicines
• pet food
How do I stay healthy
at work during a pandemic?
• Wash hands frequently.
(See: How can I prevent swine flu?)
• Use disinfecting wipes to clean common surfaces
(keyboards, phones, door handles) or use gloves.
• Stay at least 3 feet from people who are sneezing
or coughing.
• Carry and use masks as directed by your doctor.
• Cancel non-essential and face-to-face meetings.
• Know who to contact and how (phone, email, hotline)
if you have questions about whether you should come to
work.
– High absentee rates are likely, so
if you are well and able to work you should contact your
supervisor.
What if I become ill?
If you or a family member
becomes ill with these symptoms:
– sudden congestion or trouble
breathing AND
– fever higher than 100.4° F AND
– cough AND
– at least 1 of the following: sore throat,
joint aches, muscles aches, or weakness
• Contact your health care provider. Before going
to the clinic or hospital, describe your symptoms and any
possible exposure to sick people or animals, or travel to
swine flu-infected areas.
• Notify your supervisor.
– Do NOT go to work if you develop these
symptoms.
– Do NOT go to work if you have been exposed
within the past 3 days to someone with flu-like illness.
What
if I become ill at work?
• Call your supervisor (do not meet in
person) and report your symptoms.
• Stay away from other people, staff, and visitors.
• Put on a mask if instructed to do so.
• Go home if so instructed.
• Call your health care provider.
When
can I return to work?
• If you have had a flu-like illness, you
can usually return to work (after obtaining clearance from
your health care provider and employer) if you:
– have fully recovered
OR
– are on effective antiviral medication
• If you were exposed to someone with flu-like illness,
you may return to work after staying home for 3 days (after
last exposure), if you have not gotten sick.
Business planning and
swine influenza
Plan now to:
• ensure the ability to maintain essential services
• control the spread of disease in the workplace and
the community
• reduce the impact on employees and family members
• enhance a speedy recovery
[Posted: April 27, 2009]
