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
© 2009 Shoreland, Inc.
