According to the Centers for Disease Control, H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus, which was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Spread of this novel influenza virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes, people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose.
While there is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu, you can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Staying home from work if you are sick.
What Can Employers Do To Protect Employees?
- Encourage sick workers to stay home and away from the workplace, and provide flexible leave policies.
- Encourage infection control practices in the workplace by displaying posters that address and remind workers about proper hand washing, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette.
- Provide written guidance (e-mail, etc.) on H1N1 appropriate for the language and literacy levels of everyone in the workplace. Employers should work closely with local and state public health officials to ensure they are providing the most appropriate and up-to-date information.
- Provide sufficient facilities for hand washing and alcohol-based (at least 60 percent) hand sanitizers (or wipes) in common workplace areas such as lobbies, corridors, and restrooms.
- Provide tissues, disinfectants, and disposable towels for employees to clean their work surfaces, as well as appropriate disposal receptacles for use by employees.
- One study showed that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to eight hours after being deposited on the surface. To reduce the chance of spread of the virus, disinfect commonly touched hard surfaces, such as workstations, countertops, door knobs, and bathroom surfaces by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
Additional information for workplace guidance is available on the CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/workplace.htm.