As we are all aware, the global community is in the midst of managing an outbreak of a new influenza of swine origin. Forensic Analytical Consulting Services (FACS) has prepared this bulletin to help our clients, business partners and members of our community navigate through the maze of information available in order to stay well-informed and prepared for contingencies.
How do I keep up to date on the latest information and advisories?
1) The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.
2) The World Health Organization (WHO): http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/
These websites are continually updated with the latest information and support resources. A quick perusal of the CDC site will reveal guidelines for specific audiences as well (e.g., schools, pregnant women). Your local public health agencies (e.g., county, state) should also be consulted for information and advisories specific to your community. General information regarding swine flu taken from the CDC website is attached (note: this document may be updated).
I hear about “pandemic alert phases”, what do these mean?
The WHO has developed a six-phase approach to managing pandemic flu (see graphic image at top of page). As the outbreak progresses through the different phases to its peak, we can expect our health agencies to place greater restrictions on travel and person-to-person contact as appropriate to manage the situation. Further information from the WHO website regarding each phase is attached.
What should I do as an employer?
1) Stay informed and communicate with employees regarding the latest information and advisories.
2) Continually evaluate risks to employees and customers and implement appropriate controls as conditions change. This may include modifying stay at home policies, travel plans, customer interface procedures, disinfection measures, personal protective equipment use and more.
3) Be prepared for potentially significant business disruption from greater absenteeism, changes in commerce patterns, supply chain impacts and more.
The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publication “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic” is an excellent resource to help employers prepare for and successfully manage a crisis (http://www.osha.gov/Publications/influenza_pandemic.html).
What about disinfecting surfaces?
First and foremost, wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Flu viruses typically survive for minutes to hours on environmental surfaces, but may last longer under the right conditions. During a pandemic flu event, it may be prudent to implement an enhanced cleaning policy for commonly touched surfaces such as stairway railings, elevator buttons and door handles. These surfaces can be cleaned by wiping them down with a detergent-based cleaner or household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. More specific infection control measures for managing infected individuals in the home and other settings is available on the CDC website.
Should I wear a facemask or respirator?
The first steps in personal infection control should be thorough and frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact (less than 6 feet) with symptomatic or infected persons. There is little information developed regarding the effectiveness of facemasks or respirators in controlling the spread of influenza in community settings. However, it is reasonable to assume that the proper use of facemasks or respirators may offer some degree of additional protection. The CDC has provided interim recommendations on the use of facemasks and respirators with respect to the current swine flu event. A copy from the CDC website is attached (note: this document may be updated).
What can FACS do to help?
FACS’s team of Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs) and environmental health professionals are available to help evaluate exposure risks and develop and implement control programs. This may include developing procedures, providing training & education, making equipment & supply recommendations, fit-testing respirators and in some instances post-cleaning assessments.
