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H1N1 Influenza
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a nationwide public health emergency for the H1N1 influenza (previously referred to as Swine Flu). A worldwide pandemic alert has also been raised by the World Health Organization. To protect California workers and businesses against the contraction and spread of this flu virus, State Fund advises employers to educate their employees about H1N1 flu facts, symptoms, and preventative measures and to prepare their business operations should a pandemic outbreak significantly reduce their workforce or disrupt their business operation.
Facts About H1N1 Flu
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the H1N1 is “quadruple reassortant” virus with flu viruses genes normally found in European and Asian pigs, birds (avian), and humans. The H1N1 flu is thought to spread the same way as seasonal flu – that is mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza and by touching a surface or object with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
High Risk Groups
Certain groups of people are considered at “high risk” for serious flu complications. These include persons aged 5 or under and 65 or older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions such as cancer; diabetes; blood, kidney, liver neurological, or neuromuscular disorders; heart or chronic lung disease, and those with weakened immune systems. Persons in these “high risk” groups are encouraged to receive immunization for both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu.
Symptoms of H1N1 Flu
Symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to other human flu viruses and include a fever (often high), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur. Illness associated with this virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with the virus have occurred. If you suspect you may have been exposed to or contracted the H1N1 flu virus, contact your doctor for advice and treatment.
Preventative Measures for H1N1Flu
There are everyday steps the CDC recommends to protect against contracting or spreading the flu virus:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue in the trash after use. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth which spreads the flu virus germs
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine) except to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
Business Preparation Resources
State Fund recommends that companies develop contingency plans for each business location and identify essential employees and critical raw materials, suppliers, sub-contractors, transporters, customers, and other logistics that can keep the business functioning. Contact your regional State Fund office to obtain copies of precautionary safety sheets available in English and Spanish (Standard Precautions, Airborne Precautions, Contact Precautions, and Droplet Precautions). For updates about the H1N1 flu, visit www.scif.com; www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/; or www.flu.gov/plan/workplaceplanning/index.html.
The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied
upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate
only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.
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