May/June 2009
Although the Pandemic Level has reached Level 6, this does not mean that you must do anything different in your Occupational Health practices. Though, be sure when you send employees to other countries that they have the correct information about the H1N1 Virus and have any anti-virals they may need. What is important in this particular Level 6 Pandemic is that the mortality rate is quite low.
For OEHN Corporate Clients
For our corporate clients, this is a prudent time to review Pandemic Flu preparedness plans as a safety precaution. Also, take the following precautions:
1. All employees should be encouraged continue to practice the recommended general hygiene associated with flu prevention, such as washing hands regularly and staying home if unwell with a fever.
2. If employee does not feel well, and shows signs of a fever, then…
a. Workers with recent travel to Mexico, Southern California or other identified areas of active, confirmed swine flu area should be sent home with a surgical mask or N-95 if available.
b. Those workers with new onset fever discovered at work should instructed to be followed-up medically.
For OEHN Clients in a Hospital or Clinic Setting
1. Monitor recent travel of employees, especially those with trips to Mexico, Southern California or other identified areas of active, confirmed swine flu.
2. If employee does not feel well, and shows signs of a fever, then;
a. Employees with recent travel to Mexico, Southern California or other identified areas of active, confirmed swine flu should be sent home with a surgical mask or N-95 if available. These workers need to be followed up medically.
3. Patients with suspected or confirmed case-status should be placed in a single-patient room with the door kept closed.
a. If available, an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) with negative pressure air handling with 6 to 12 air changes per hour can be used. Air can be exhausted directly outside or be recirculated after filtration by a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
b. For suctioning, bronchoscopy, or intubation, use a procedure room with negative pressure air handling.
4. The ill person should wear a surgical mask when outside of the patient room, and should be encouraged to wash hands frequently and follow respiratory hygiene practices.
5. Cups and other utensils used by the ill person should be washed with soap and water before use by other persons.
5. Routine cleaning and disinfection strategies used during influenza seasons can be applied to the environmental management of swine influenza.
More information can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/gl_environinfection.html.
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For additional information see:
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Occupational & Environmental Health Network (OEHN)
5 Mount Royal Avenue Marlborough, MA 01752
508 251 7260
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