Preparing for a Potential Pandemic

With concern about the current rise in cases of swine flu sweeping the country, HomeCare of Holland Home has accessed resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Medicare and OSHA to create a plan for dealing with a possible flu pandemic.

Central Services has acquired the appropriate masks, and staff are being trained in fit-testing the masks. By Friday, May 1, we hope to have all relevant staff fit-tested.

Following are some guidelines from the CDC regarding swine influenza:

1. What is Swine flu?

A respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.

2. Are there human swine flu infections in the U.S.?

In late March/early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other cases have been reported internationally and in other U.S. states.

3. Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) is contagious, and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not know how easily the virus spreads between people.

4. What are the signs/symptoms of swine flu in people?

It is similar to the regular human flu and includes fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some have reported diarrhea/vomiting.

5. How does swine flu spread?

It is thought to be same way as seasonal flu spreads; person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Cover mouth when coughing/sneezing. Wash hands after each cough/sneeze. The virus can be spread by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching mouth/nose.

6. How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. Therefore, you may be able to pass on the flu before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

7. What should I do from getting the flu?

MOST IMPORTANT- Wash Your Hands: stay in good general health, try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus, and avoid close contact to people who are sick. Stay home if you are displaying symptoms.

8. Are there medications to treat the swine flu?

CDC recommends the use of prescription antiviral drugs that keep the virus from reproducing in the body. If you get sick, they can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster and may prevent serious flu complications. They work best if started within 2 days

9. Can I get the swine flu from eating or preparing pork?

NO- swine flu is not spread by food.

May 1st, 2009 | Posted in General, HomeCare | Share this on Facebook or Twitter