Tag Archives: Swine Flu

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

MORE “BACK TO SCHOOL” BASICS

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This time of year is always a busy one for teachers, administrators, and staff, as they get everything ready for the first day of school.  This school year, however, presents a problem they had not contended with until last spring: how to prevent their students from contacting the H1N1 virus at school.  The federal government issued guidelines for schools, and plans to do the same soon for day care facilities, colleges, and employers.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan advocates “prevention, close monitoring, and common sense” in dealing with the dilemma.  Schools should teach health curriculums to students the first two weeks of school.  Hand washing and covering coughs are of the utmost importance.  Many schools are considering furnishing online resources for parents to be able to access materials when their kids miss school.

Ill students and staff should be separated from other students; a room set aside for them should be furnished until they can go home.   They should also be given protective respirators.  N95 masks or N95 Respirators block 95% of very small particles in the air.  These masks should fit properly, be replaced often and thrown away after one use.  They should be placed in a plastic bag before being thrown in the trash, and then the person should wash their hands thoroughly.

Hand sanitizer should be available at the school.  If the schools don’t furnish it, parents could send a bottle with their students to keep in their backpacks or lockers.  Parents play a very important role in protecting their students by keeping them at home if they are showing symptoms of the flu.  If that is the case, they should begin giving them fever reducers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen, as needed.  Gatorade also helps to keep them hydrated.   It is felt that students do not have to stay home after being ill as long as they were last year.  Suggestions are that they may return following 24 hours of being fever-free.

Everyone should get his/her regular seasonal flu shot, and hopefully, the new vaccine for this particular virus will be ready by mid-October.  It’s going to take a team effort to deal with what’s ahead, but hopefully, the cases will be mild.  Let’s do all we can to keep our kids well.

Source: ABC News

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INTERNATIONAL SWINE FLU CONFERENCE

We recently received an email from New-Fields regarding the first International Swine Flu Summit planned for August 19-20, and a workshop August 21, in Washington, D.C.  This meeting will be very similar to seven successful conferences on Bird Flu and will involve business leaders, educators, and health officials outlining strategies for dealing with the many obstacles that an outbreak of this virus can cause.

This conference will cover every imaginable entity that would be affected.  Fifteen concurrent breakout sessions will be held.  By reading the list of topics below, one can see that this virus has caused concern throughout the world and requires meticulous planning.

  • Breakout 1: Mass Fatality Management Planning
  • Breakout 2: Psychological Issues
  • Breakout 3: Business Continuity Planning
  • Breakout 4: Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government Planning
  • Breakout 5: Emergency Management Services
  • Breakout 6: Law Enforcement Agencies
  • Breakout 7: First Responders: Fire Department
  • Breakout 8: First Responders: Public Works
  • Breakout 9: 911 Call Center Services
  • Breakout 10: Hospital and Emergency Medical Services
  • Breakout 11: Workplace Planning
  • Breakout 12: School/University Pandemic Planning
  • Breakout 13: Airlines, Travel, Airport, Quarantine and Border Health Services
  • Breakout 14: Infectious Medical Waste
  • Breakout 15: Swine Flu: Agriculture Perspective & Interventions

Experts that will deliver messages and conduct the sessions are specialists in the following fields:

  • CEO/VP/COO/R&D Director
  • Chief Epidemiology/Medical Officer/Doctor
  • Commanding Officer/Rescue Services
  • Emergency Management Services Director/Chief
  • Risk Officer/Senior Pandemic Officer
  • Global Sales/Marketing Manager/Food Safety
  • Senior Government Officials
  • Health Minister & Hospital Heads
  • Public Health Director
  • Senior Manager/Director of Business Continuity Planning

More information may be obtained at New-Fields.com/ISFC.  It is our goal to keep everyone updated on pandemic prevention, preparedness, response and recovery issues that may be required in the future.

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BACK TO SCHOOL- HOPEFULLY, WITHOUT THE H1N1 BUG!

The federal government is advising school leaders they shouldn’t have to close their doors this fall because a few students contract this new virus, which continues to spread throughout the world.  Only those schools with high numbers of students coming down with the virus should consider closing, according to a statement Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security Secretary made today (August 7th).

There are more than 55 million American children attending 130,000 public and private schools.  According to the Department of Education, 7 million persons staff those schools.

It is predicted that the new “bug” will hit schools in the fall; however, Education Secretary Arne Duncan stated the importance of continuing to educate the children, and urges parents to use common sense and tell their kids to wash their hands vigorously several times a day, and take other precautions.  He also said that the new vaccine should be ready by mid-October and schools will probably be the principal sites for the shots to be given to students.  Everyone should get the regular flu shot prior to this time.

The Centers for Disease Control last spring advised schools to close for two weeks when there were confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus.  However, the milder cases experienced by students caused them to re-think their strategy.  They do recommend that parents keep their sick students home for at least one week, if they become ill.  As the result of the spring school closings, many parents were forced to leave their kids at home alone, take off work to stay with their children, or make child care arrangements.

Schools should be planning other ways to prevent the spread of illness by placing students’ desks further apart, emphasizing hand hygiene, and any method they can come up with to encourage their students to avoid contact with someone who is ill.  Mr. Duncan is asking schools to have a plan to keep their kids learning during the period their school is closed.

Sources:
AP
Reuters

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

THE H1N1 MYSTERY CONTINUES

There are still many questions surrounding the H1N1 (Swine Flu) illness that continues to strike persons throughout the world during these summer months, though not in huge numbers.  Another odd thing is that it is affecting teens and young adults, rather than older persons and young children, who are usually hit the hardest by the regular flu bug.  Health officials are concerned that when school starts in late August and early September, cases will start up again, even though cooler weather won’t have begun in many areas.  Normal flu cases are more common in cold months.

These five U.S. vaccine makers have started producing a vaccine to hopefully guard the population against the Swine Flu:

  • Novartis,
  • Sanofi Pasteur
  • MedImmune
  • CSL
  • Glaxo Smith Kline.

The National Institute of Allergic and Infectious Diseases are sponsoring the tests of these vaccines at the following vaccine and treatment units:

  • Baylor College of Medicine – Houston;
  • Childrens Hospital Medical Center – Cincinnati;
  • Emory University – Atlanta;
  • Group Health Cooperative – Seattle;
  • University of Maryland – Baltimore;
  • Saint Louis University – St. Louis;
  • University of Iowa – Iowa City;
  • Vanderbilt University – Nashville;

The five vaccine makers will also begin separate clinical tests in the United States, Europe, and Australia.

On July 29th, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine advice committee will vote on who will be first in line to receive the vaccine.  It is felt that children age 0-4 years, school children, youngsters with asthma, pregnant women, and critical emergency response workers should be high on the priority list.

It may be necessary for persons to receive their normal three-in-one seasonal flu vaccine a little earlier than usual, in order to be prepared to get the new vaccine once it is approved.

If there is a new wave of this illness in September, the vaccine will probably be given that month, rather than waiting until November or later.

Source: CDC
AP
H1N1Virus.us

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

TEXAS RANGERS ARE FIGHTING THE “BUG”

Not in law enforcement, but in Major League Baseball, an article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram Saturday, July 25, stated that Vicente Padilla, pitcher for the Rangers has been confirmed as having the H1N1 virus. (According to television news, he is the first professional player in any sport that has contacted the virus.) For the past several days, announcers for the Rangers have been mentioning during broadcasts of Rangers games that various players have been ill with flu-like symptoms.

Thad Levine, Assistant General Manager of the Rangers, reported that cultures have been submitted to the health department, but at the present time Padilla is the only team member with the virus, and that he is feeling better and expected to possibly play next Tuesday in Arlington.  Other players have been experiencing flu-like symptoms.  The team is taking all the standard precautions, and after receiving advice from team doctors and MLB officials, will not treat this any differently than common flu.  Tamiflu, a widely-used medicine to fight influenza, has been prescribed to all team members who have had signs of the illness.

Many more of these stories affecting sports teams will probably surface, as it is predicted by health officials that we will be facing the H1N1 virus head-on until a new vaccine can be developed.  Five different U S vaccine makers are working vigorously to produce a vaccine that will help prevent this virus that is spreading throughout the world.

Until then, the best ways to prevent contacting H1N1 are to keep yourself in good condition, wash your hands with warm soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.  Many times germs from viruses remain on doorknobs, cell phones, countertops, stair rails, and other things that are used by more than one person, so pay attention to things you must touch, and again, wash your hands often.

Source: Ft. Worth Star Telegram

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

ARE WE REALLY PREPARED?

We know that people are tired about reading about the H1N1 influenza virus, and hopefully, it is losing ground and will not be a worldwide pandemic.  In our articles “Pandemic Influenza”, and “Pandemic Influenza Part II”, we described what a pandemic is and how employers can best be prepared for one.  What about the country as a whole?

As was evidenced by the past threat, there was a negative effect on the stock market, travel industry, and entertainment industry, just to name a few.  In reviewing a message that was written November 10, 2005, by the Working Group on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness, and sent to Senate and House Conferees on H.R. 3010 FY 2006, Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, one would think they were reading something that was written only yesterday.  It closed by stating that the “clock is ticking as the threat is growing”.

In 2005, funding was needed for the Avian Flu (H5N1) or Bird Flu.  Attempts for funding for pandemic outbreaks have been made ever since that year; requests for $870 million in extra funding was cut from a stimulus bill that passed earlier this year.  These funds would have gone a long way toward supporting state and local health departments’ preparedness, the Strategic National Stockpiles, vaccine research and production, gloves, and other required equipment.  Stockpiled vaccines should be equally proportioned to guarantee all states have the needed medicine.  Annual resources should be available to support ongoing state and local preparedness, not just at times of emergencies.

So far, we have not been put to the full test, but sooner or later, it is feared that there will be a strain that will be a full-blown pandemic and really get our attention.  As our workforces are being depleted by layoffs and cutbacks, will there be enough public health officials and healthcare workers to take care of the demands of a true pandemic?  It’s food for thought.

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

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

TODAY’S UPDATE – WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

At today’s (May 22) closing session of the World Health Organization’s week-long annual congress, WHO chief Margaret Chan stated that countries need to be prepared for the H1N1 flu virus.  It is being closely watched in the southern hemisphere, where winter season is starting.

She stated that because it is a subtle, sneaky virus, it could mix with seasonal flu and mutate in “unpredictable ways”.  It is an airborne virus the same as the common flu, and is still showing up in new countries on a daily basis.  The latest totals show approximately 11,000 people have contacted the virus in 42 countries.  The largest groups now are Japan – 294; Spain – 113; and Britain – 112.

In a related press release, the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia reported that various tests have shown that persons over 60 seem to have a built-up immunity to the virus.  Cases in the United States have affected younger persons, up to ages 50+.  Much more research will need to be done regarding the theory about the over-60 age group.

The CDC says we are not “out of the woods” yet, and still need to be vigilant in watching this virus.

Source: Reuters
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

H1N1 UPDATE – MAY 18, 2009

The World Health Organization Health Assembly began today and will go through Friday, five days less than normally held because health ministers are monitoring H1N1 outbreaks in their own countries. 

As of Sunday, 8,480 persons have been ill from the virus in approximately forty countries.  Seventy-five deaths have resulted so far, most in Mexico.  Chile announced its first case Sunday.  Japan’s Health Minister confirmed more than 120 definite cases today. 

There have been 6 deaths in the United States: 3 in Texas, 1 each in Washington and Arizona. In New York City, a beloved Assistant Principal died last night.  He had had symptoms of the virus for a week before his school was closed last Thursday.  He was hospitalized and placed on a ventilator.  It is suspected that the virus, as well as complications all played a part in his death.

The World Health Organization’s main focus will be combating the outbreak of the virus as well as holding discussions on developing a vaccine.  In Southern Hemisphere countries, the annual flu season will soon begin.  If a new vaccine is to be developed for the H1N1 strain, production for seasonal flu would be switched to production for the H1N1 virus vaccine.

In the U.S., we are not hearing of as many cases, and school closings have slowed down.

However, we must remain alert to the symptoms of many types of flu:

  • High fever
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If symptoms persist, see your doctor, stay away from others, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol sanitizers.

Source: AP

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

H1N1 UPDATE – FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

Although the majority of confirmed cases of H1N1 have been relatively mild, persons need to still be careful if they come down with symptoms of flu, like high fever, coughing, sneezing, etc.  It was announced by Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Thursday evening that three schools in Queens have been closed for a week, following the information that hundreds of students at Susan B. Anthony middle schools and one elementary school had been sent home sick this week.  Four students and an assistant principal have been diagnosed with confirmed cases of H1N1 virus.  Fifty-five year old assistant principal Mitch Wiener is in critical condition and on a breathing tube.  He is experiencing dehydration, kidney failure and a lung infection.  His case is the most serious illness in New York City since the beginning of H1N1 cases began in April.  The only underlying illness he has experienced before is gout, according to his sons.

The Susan B. Anthony schools are approximately two miles from St. Francis Preparatory School, where an estimated 1,000 students, their relatives and staff became ill following a trip to Mexico, taken by several of the students.  Most of the cases were mild and very similar to seasonal flu.

In a related story, the World Health Organization warned today against a false sense of security from the apparent mild and waning outbreaks, as the worst may not be over.  The WHO bases its alert scale on the way the virus is spreading in a sustained way throughout countries, not the severity of its effects.

Thus far, approximately 7,520 cases of H1N1 virus have been confirmed in 34 countries.  It contains a strain of genetic mixtures of bird, swine and human viruses.  Several countries are sharing samples of the cases in their areas with scientists in order for a vaccine to be developed that will be successful in preventing this virus, that spreads through coughs, sneezes, and air droplets, the same as seasonal flu.  Most persons suffer only mild symptoms and the many are able to recover without drug treatment.  Tamiful and Relenza have been effective against the strain.

We continue giving the same advice as major health organizations: wash your hands, cover your face when you cough or sneeze, and stay at home if you become ill.

Remain aware of the symptoms and don’t ignore them, just in case it could be something more serious.