Emergency Info
H1N1 Flu Preparedness
Contents:
October 21, 2009
Dear Customers,
In light of the current situation regarding the H1N1 flu virus, we wanted to let you know the steps we are taking to reduce its impact. Our goals are to protect the health of our employees and the safety of our workplaces, and to maintain business continuity that will ensure uninterrupted supply to our customers.
First, we have a crisis management team that is in regular contact with national health organizations and the Vermont Department of Health to monitor the status of H1N1 in our region and to make decisions regarding plant operations in response to changing H1N1 conditions.
Last week, we conducted extensive meetings with all employees to:
Additionally, we have been communicating H1N1 information to employees through email and paycheck attachments. Customer and supplier exchanges, like this one, are also developing.
Mack’s mitigation strategy has also included the installation of hand sanitizer stations throughout all operations, increased facility cleaning, and cancellation of large-group events. We have established guidelines for contagious temporary illness and quarantine leave, which requires documentation to return to work. Our onsite medical staff monitors this situation and is instrumental in early detection and diagnosis to prevent further spread. Finally, if necessary, we are also prepared to implement procedures for daily influenza screening, as well as travel restrictions.
As we are requesting all employees to stay home when ill, we are asking for the same cooperation from all visitors. Our collective success in mitigating the impact of this illness depends on it. If you have questions regarding Mack’s pandemic preparedness, please let me know. In the meantime, stay well; and if you do visit, forgive us for not shaking hands – we’re temporarily suspending that custom as well.
TO: Mack Molding/MackMedical suppliers
DATE: October 21, 2009
FROM: Bruce Bixler, Vice President, Purchasing
RE: Pandemic preparedness
In light of the current situation regarding the H1N1 flu virus, I am requesting suppliers to submit information regarding pandemic preparedness so we can be assured of uninterrupted supply to our customers.
I also want to let you know the steps we’re taking here at Mack to reduce the impact of H1N1, to protect the health of our employees and safety of our workplaces, and to maintain business continuity.
First, we have a crisis management team that is in regular contact with national health organizations and the Vermont Department of Health to monitor the status of H1N1 in our region and to make decisions regarding plant operations in response to changing H1N1 conditions.
Last week, we conducted extensive meetings with all employees to:
- Educate about the symptoms associated with H1N1 and how it spreads
- Instruct employees to stay home when ill, and to return only after being fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing agents
- Remind employees about proper hand washing, cough/sneeze etiquette and other steps they can take to reduce the spread of flu at home and work
- Advise when to seek medical care
- Announce the implementation of an influenza reporting phone line so our on-site physician and occupational health nurse can be easily notified in the event of flu-like illness
- Communicate the current status of H1N1 vaccine (which will be provided at all Mack locations) and treatment.
Additionally, we have been communicating H1N1 information to employees through email and paycheck attachments. Customer and supplier exchanges, like this one, are also developing.
Mack’s mitigation strategy has also included the installation of hand sanitizer stations throughout all operations, increased facility cleaning, and cancellation of large-group events. We have established guidelines for contagious temporary illness and quarantine leave, which requires documentation to return to work. Our onsite medical staff monitors this situation and is instrumental in early detection and diagnosis to prevent further spread. Finally, if necessary, we are also prepared to implement procedures for daily influenza screening, as well as travel restrictions.
As we are requesting all employees to stay home when ill, we are asking for the same cooperation from all visitors. Our collective success in mitigating the impact of this illness depends on it.
If you have questions regarding Mack’s pandemic preparedness, please let me know. In the meantime, stay well; and if you do visit, forgive us for not shaking hands – we’re temporarily suspending that custom as well.
 Influenza pandemic is a worldwide outbreak of severe influenza (flu).
During an influenza pandemic, demand for health care services will increase at the same time as health care workers are ill with influenza themselves or are staying home to look after sick family members. Most people who get influenza will not be sick enough to require medical care and can be looked after at home.
We’ve put together a series of fact sheets and other tools to help you prepare to look after yourself and the people you care about during influenza pandemic.
Information contained in this guide was obtained from the CDC, Flu.gov, and Vancouver Dept of Health websites.
Contents:
Pandemic influenza — what you need to know
Staying healthy in a pandemic
Be prepared
Hand washing
Housekeeping
What to do if someone gets sick
Over the counter remedies for cough and influenza
How to take a temperature
When to go back to school/work
Is it a cold or influenza?
When to seek medical care for influenza-like illness in an:
What is influenza?
Influenza (the flu) is a highly contagious viral disease. The virus causes an infection of the respiratory tract, including the nose, nasal passages, throat, lungs and bronchial tubes. There are three types of influenza: A, B and C. Only type A causes pandemics in humans.
What is pandemic influenza?
An influenza pandemic is a worldwide outbreak of severe influenza A. Pandemics are caused by new strains of influenza A or strains that may not have circulated among humans for a long time, so people have little or no immunity to them. Pandemic influenza can strike at any time of the year and can cause much more sickness and death than seasonal influenza.
When will the next pandemic happen?
We don’t know when the next pandemic will happen. Our experience tells us that it’s only a matter of time. In the twentieth century there were three pandemics—in 1918, 1957 and 1968. Pandemics can affect communities in “waves”. After a first peak of illness, the rates of illness drop, and then one or more waves occur over a period of months.
Will there be a vaccine against pandemic influenza?
Once the strain of influenza that causes a pandemic is identified, it can take several months to develop a vaccine. There may be no vaccine available during the first “wave” of a pandemic. When a vaccine does become available, it may be in short supply. The USA has influenza experts that have identified high-risk groups who will receive the vaccine first.
Will there be medications to prevent or cure pandemic influenza?
The federal and state governments are stockpiling enough antiviral medications to treat those who may become ill with pandemic influenza.
How is influenza spread?
Influenza is spread from person to person through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. These droplets can travel up to 6 feet and can be inhaled by others. These droplets also land on surfaces. If a person touches an object that has been contaminated by droplets and then touches their eyes, mouth or nose, without first washing their hands, they can catch the flu. The time from when a person is exposed to the virus until the time symptoms appear is 1– 4 days. The virus can survive on hard surfaces such as doorknobs, handrails and toys for up to 8 hours. The virus survives on your hands for 5 minutes.
How long is the influenza virus infectious/contagious?
A person with the flu is contagious for 24 hours before they become sick and for up to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may be contagious for longer than a week.
How do I know if I have influenza?
You may have the flu if you have a sudden onset of fever, cough, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, a runny nose and body aches. Sometimes children with influenza will have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms can also occur in adults, but are less common. Older adults (over 65) and children under 5 may not have a fever when sick with influenza. Although colds and other viruses may cause similar symptoms, influenza weakens a person much more than other viruses. Most healthy people will feel better in about 5 – 7 days. Complications of influenza, such as pneumonia, can be more severe for the elderly, for infants, for people who smoke, and for people with chronic health problems.
You can reduce your chances of catching the flu and improve your chances of a speedy recovery by looking after yourself.
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or use a hand sanitizer. Regular hand washing has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of respiratory disease. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
You should also:
- Eat nutritious foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Exercise in moderation.
- Get your annual flu shot.
- Don’t smoke and don’t allow others to smoke in the house or car.
- Get the pandemic influenza vaccine, when it is available.
- Stay home if you are sick or feel unwell; rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid crowds. The more time you spend in contact with others during a pandemic, the more likely you are to be in contact with someone who is carrying the influenza virus.
Take steps to limit your contact with others during a pandemic:
- Limit visitors to your home.
- Shop at smaller stores with shorter line-ups.
- Shop at off-peak hours at stores that stay open late or are open 24 hours.
-
If possible, phone your grocery order in for quick pick-up or delivery.
- Pay your bills at an ATM, on-line or over the phone. Arrange for automatic deposit of your paycheck from work.
- Cancel or postpone family outings or gatherings.
-
Work from home or arrange to work flexible hours, if possible.
Stay healthy at work or school:
 If you become ill with the flu, you should stay home, rest in bed and drink plenty of fluids. You should be prepared to cope at home for up to a week. Have a fever thermometer in your emergency kit.
Stock up on:
Hand washing is the best way to stop the spread of influenza and other viruses. When you wash your hands, you wash away viruses and bacteria that you may have picked up from people, contaminated surfaces or animals.
Always wash your hands:
- Before, during and after you prepare food
- Before you eat
- After using the toilet
- After changing an infant or adult diaper
- After sneezing or coughing or blowing your nose
- After blowing a child’s nose
- When your hands are dirty
- More frequently when someone in your household is sick
- After touching commonly used items, such as doorknobs, railings, bank (ATM) machines.
Use soap and warm water to wash your hands. Do not use antibacterial soap; it encourages antibiotic resistance. Carry hand sanitizer with you to disinfect your hands if soap and water are not available. You can find hand sanitizer in most supermarkets and drug stores.
 Influenza viruses can live for up to “8 hours on hard surfaces”. To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters, doorknobs, telephones, railings and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
Providing care at home to someone with influenza will be common during influenza pandemic. Ask for help from family members or friends if you live alone, are a single parent with small children, or are having a hard time looking after yourself or others.
Keep the sick person in a room separate from the common areas of the house. (For example, a spare bedroom with its own bathroom, if that’s possible.) Keep the sickroom door closed.
Unless necessary for medical care or other necessities, people who are sick with an influenza-like illness should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel, for at least 24 hours after fever is gone. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). This is to keep from making others sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
If persons with the flu need to leave the home (for example, for medical care), they should wear a facemask, if available and tolerable, and cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
If possible, sick persons should use a separate bathroom. This bathroom should be cleaned daily with household disinfectant.
Sick individuals will probably feel very tired and weak. Resting allows the body to recover from influenza. They should drink plenty of fluids -- water, juices, clear broths and soups will replace the fluids lost, especially if they have a fever. If urine is dark, they should drink more fluids. Sick persons should try to drink a glass of water for every hour they are awake.
If you are buying an over-the-counter medication, check with the pharmacist to see which one is best for you:
During a pandemic, you may hear stories of cures and medications promising to prevent or cure influenza. It’s important to remember that only antiviral medications and vaccines, regulated by the FDA, have been tested and found to be safe for humans. Beware of false promises. If you have any doubts or questions about a product, speak with a pharmacist or your doctor.
In the event of fever:
- Take off heavy clothing and blankets.
- Dress in lightweight clothing and keep room temperature at 68°F.
- Give lukewarm sponge or tub baths (never use alcohol rubs to bring down a fever).
- Offer cool fluids frequently when the person is awake.
- Give acetaminophen (Tylenol TM) every 4-6 hours for comfort and to reduce fever.
- Warning! Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for correct, safe use of medications. Antiviral medications can sometimes help lessen influenza symptoms, but require a prescription. Most people do not need these antiviral drugs to fully recover from the flu. However, persons at higher risk for severe flu complications, or those with severe flu illness who require hospitalization, might benefit from antiviral medications. Antiviral medications are available for persons 1 year of age and older. Ask your health care provider whether you need antiviral medication.
Influenza infections can lead to or occur with bacterial infections. Therefore, some people will also need to take antibiotics. More severe or prolonged illness or illness that seems to get better, but then gets worse again, may be an indication that a person has a bacterial infection. Check with your health care provider if you have concerns.
 There are 3 ways to take a temperature:
- In the mouth
- Under the armpit
- In the ear
The right method for children depends on the child’s age. It is important to get the most accurate temperature reading possible. For older children and teenagers, use the adult method.
The following chart will help you decide which method to use.
|
Best Method |
2nd Best |
3rd Best |
| Birth-2 yrs of age |
Armpit |
----- |
----- |
| 2-5 yrs of age |
Ear |
Armpit |
----- |
| 5 yrs-adult |
Mouth |
Ear |
Armpit |
Taking a temperature by mouth:
- Place the tip of thermometer under tongue and close mouth.
- Do not bite down on the thermometer.
- Do not drink any hot or cold liquids (or smoke) for half an hour prior to taking a temperature.
Taking a temperature in the armpit:
- Place the tip of the thermometer against the skin and hold the arm snugly against chest.
Taking a temperature in the ear (this requires a special type of thermometer):
- Use a clean probe tip each time and follow the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully.
- Gently tug on the ear, pulling it back and up. This will straighten the ear canal and make a clear path on the inside of the ear to the eardrum.
- Gently insert the thermometer until the ear canal is fully sealed off.
- Squeeze and hold the button down for one second.
- Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
There are several types of thermometers. Digital thermometers are made of unbreakable plastic and measure temperatures quickly. They display the temperature so it is easy to read. If you have any questions when you buy a thermometer, ask the pharmacist, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can sometimes tell if someone has a fever by touching his or her skin. If the person’s skin is hot and dry, if they have the “chills”, if their mouth and lips are dry or if their cheeks are flushed, they may have a fever. Fever strips will indicate a possible fever, but are not an accurate way to measure a temperature.
Sick individuals should stay at home until the end of the “exclusion period”, whenever possible, except when necessary to seek required medical care. The CDC defines the exclusion period as: After at least 24 hours has passed since the ill person’s temperature first remained normal "without the use of any fever-reducing medications".
Sick individuals should avoid contact with others. Keeping people with a fever at home may reduce the number of people who get infected, since elevated temperature is associated with increased shedding of the influenza virus. The CDC recommends this exclusion period regardless of whether or not antiviral medications are used. People on antiviral treatment may shed influenza viruses that are resistant to antiviral medications.
| Symptom |
Cold (Rhino Virus) |
Flu (Influenza) |
| Fever (lasts 3-4 days |
Rare |
Usual, sudden onset 100-104 degrees F |
| Headache |
Rare |
Usual/can be severe |
| Aches & pains |
Rare |
Usual/can be severe |
| Fatigue & weakness |
Sometimes, but mild |
Usual/can last 2-3 wks or more |
| Extreme fatigue |
Rare |
Usual/early onset can be severe |
| Nausea, vomiting |
Rare |
Sometimes in children/less in adults |
| Runny, stuffy nose |
Usual |
Rare |
| Sneezing |
Usual |
Rare |
| Sore throat |
Usual |
Not uncommon |
| Chest discomfort |
Sometimes/mild to moderate |
Usual/can be severe |
| Complications |
Congestion/earache |
Respiratory failure; can worsen a current chronic condition; can be life-threatening |
| Prevention |
Frequent hand washing/cover cough & sneezes |
Flu shot; pneumococcal vaccine for those at risk of complications; frequent hand washing; cover cough & sneezes. |
|
