Tag Archives: Pandemic Influenza

First Aid Safety, Respiratory Safety

OVERSEAS TROOPS TO RECEIVE SWINE FLU TESTS

In an Associated Press release August 25, it was announced that the FDA has authorized emergency use of the swine flu test for United States troops overseas.  This test will be distributed by the Defense Department to its qualified labs that have the equipment and personnel to interpret test results.  This test has been released to the public since April.

Combat units in the Middle East and on Navy ships can expect to receive the tests in early September.  These tests will accelerate making the correct diagnosis, in order for our deployed troops to receive proper treatment.  The FDA says this authorization allows for use of unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products during a public health emergency.

Our troops have enough enemies to be concerned with, let alone this virus.  Hopefully, a vaccine will developed very soon that will protect our soldiers and sailors from this illness.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized

HIGHEST PANDEMIC WARNING LEVEL DECLARED TODAY

It has been our goal to keep you informed of the progress of the H1N1 virus, formerly known as swine flu.  The World Health Organization raised the pandemic warning level from phase 5 to 6, which is its highest stage, which confirms that this new flu virus is circling the globe.

The mystery behind the H1N1 virus remains unsolved; it is an illness that is affecting young and healthy persons that are usually not susceptible to flu.  Also, it is continuing through warm weather, when flu usually subsides.  Although thousands become ill from flu annually, this strain is different, and scientists worldwide are continuing to develop a vaccine to prevent persons from becoming ill from it.

This is the first global flu epidemic in forty-one years.  Mexico, the United States, Australia, Europe, Asia and South America all are experiencing confirmed cases.  Most cases are mild, but because it is spreading, countries need to continue being prepared in order for health care providers not to be overwhelmed.

The United States has been increasing availability of flu medications, and the government has authorized $1 billion for developing a new vaccine.  Michael Osterholm, a flu expert at the University of Minnesota and adviser to the U.S. government on pandemic preparations, stated that this declaration of a pandemic is a wake-up call for the world.  He stated that “we don’t know what the next six to twelve months will bring.”

Source: AP

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA

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Note:  We originally posted this article on February 19, 2009.  Ironically, we are now in the middle of a Swine Flu virus, that has caused the World Health Organization to raise the pandemic threat level to Phase 5, the second-highest level in the worldwide warning system.

Pandemic Influenza is when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunization in the human population- a global disease outbreak, which causes serious illness and spreads person to person worldwide.  Planning for Pandemic Influenza by business and industry is essential to minimize the impact of a pandemic.  It is essential to have a contingency plan.

Employers should develop a Pandemic Preparedness Plan by:

  • Knowing Federal, State, and Local Health Department Pandemic Influenza Plans.
  • Preparing for operations with reduced workforce.
  • Ensuring their suppliers/customers that they will continue to operate.
  • Developing a company policy that does not penalize employees for being sick; thereby encouraging them to stay home when they have symptoms such as fever, runny nose, muscle aches, or upset stomach, rather than exposing other employees.
  • Understanding that their employees may need to take care of other ill family members.
  • Considering enhancement of technology and communications equipment in order to allow employees to work from home.
  • Cross-training employees in order to be prepared for absence of workers.
  • Keeping their employees informed of their preparations in case of a widespread disease, making them feel safe about their work, and able to be off if necessary due to illness.

It is also important that employers educate their employees on coughing etiquette, hygiene, and using personal protective equipment when necessary.  This could mean gloves, goggles, respirators, and other means of preventing the spread of germs.  Hand sanitizer, tissue, and soap should be provided.  Employees should be discouraged from using each others’ computers, phones, and equipment.  Washing hands often is one of the most important ways to keep down the spread of germs.

Another important measure of prevention is the flu vaccine.  Sometimes it takes a few months for the proper vaccine to be developed after there is an outbreak; however, whatever flu vaccine is available should alleviate the severity of the illness.  Note: there is no vaccine for this type of flu; scientists are working round-the-clock to prepare a vaccine to be ready for human testing.  In the United States, thousands of courses of Tamiflu and Relenza, have been sent to states reporting confirmed cases of swine flu.  The government has a stockpile of the courses ready as needed.  These two anti-viral medications are the best known to treat influenza.
OSHA

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA

Previously, we presented an article on information on getting ready for cold and flu season.  Pandemic Influenza is when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunization in the human population; a global disease outbreak, which causes serious illness and spreads person to person worldwide.  Planning for Pandemic Influenza by business and industry is essential to minimize the impact of a pandemic.  It is essential to have a contingency plan.

Employers should develop a Pandemic Preparedness Plan by:

  • Knowing Federal, State, and Local Health Department Pandemic Influenza Plans.
  • Preparing for operations with reduced workforce.
  • Ensuring their suppliers/customers that they will continue to operate.
  • Developing a company policy that does not penalize employees for being sick; thereby encouraging them to stay home when they have symptoms such as fever, runny nose, muscle aches, or upset stomach, rather than exposing other employees.
  • Understanding that their employees may need to take care of other ill family members.
  • Considering enhancement of technology and communications equipment in order to allow employees to work from home.
  • Cross-training employees in order to be prepared for absence of workers.
  • Keeping their employees informed of their preparations in case of a widespread disease, making them feel safe about their work, and able to be off if necessary due to illness.

It is also important that employers educate their employees on coughing etiquette, hygiene, and using personal protective equipment when necessary.  This could mean gloves, goggles, and other means of preventing the spread of germs.  Hand sanitizer, tissue, and soap should be provided.  Employees should be discouraged from using each others’ computers, phones, and equipment.  Washing hands often is one of the most important ways to keep down the spread of germs.

Another important measure of prevention is the flu vaccine.  Sometimes it takes a few months for the proper vaccine to be developed after there is an outbreak; however, whatever flu vaccine is available should alleviate the severity of the illness.

OSHA