H1N1 Influenza
(Swine Flu)
In response to the
growing number of confirmed cases of Swine Influenza A (swine flu) in the United States
and internationally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has
issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration. A worldwide
pandemic alert has also been raised by the World Health Organization.
To protect California workers and
businesses, State Fund advises employers to educate their employees about swine
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 Swine
Flu
Swine flu is a
respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses (H1N1).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases
of swine flu in humans have most commonly occurred after close proximity to
infected pigs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu is thought to
occur the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly
person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected
with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching
something with flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Swine flu viruses are not known to be transmitted by eating foods such as
properly handled and cooked pork or pork products.
Symptoms of Swine
Flu
Symptoms of swine
flu in people are no different from symptoms of other human flu viruses.
People infected with swine flu have fever (often high), cough, body aches,
headaches, fatigue and runny or stuffy nose. Vomiting and diarrhea may
also occur. If you suspect you may have been exposed to or contracted
Swine flu, see your doctor for advice and treatment. To confirm a swine
flu diagnosis, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be sent to an
authorized laboratory for testing.
Preventative
Measures for Swine Flu
The CDC recommends that all individuals wash their
hands frequently, avoid touching their face, cover their nose and mouth when
sneezing, and staying home when sick. Everyday actions include:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you
cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue in the trash after use.
Wash your hands often with soap and water,
especially after you cough or sneeze (alcohol-based hand cleaners are also
effective)
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth which
spreads the flu virus germs
If you get sick, stay home from work or school and
limit contact with others to keep from infecting others
Business
Preparation Resources
State Fund’s
Loss Control Bulletin, “Preparing
for a Pandemic Flu” recommends that businesses circulate a
company hygiene
policy; establish policies for exposed or infected employees; and create an
infection control response and notification plan. Companies should also
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 more information about swine flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/
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.
Copyright © 2000-2009
State Compensation Insurance Fund
Do not copy or duplicate in any form.
