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H1N1 - Swine Flu
H1N1 Overview
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What is Pandemic H1N1?
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Pandemic H1N1 (originally referred to as the swine flu) is a respiratory disease caused by the type A influenza virus. H1N1 virus is spread from person-to-person in the same way that regular seasonal flu viruses spread.
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A Pandemic is declared when:
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In June 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared H1N1 influenza as reaching a global pandemic level as cases being reported widespread throughout the world. WHO raised the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 indicating the H1N1 virus had attained community level outbreaks in more than one county and in more than one WHO regions.
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Pandemic Influenza Phases
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The state health department and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continue to report and monitor H1N1 cases as they would do with any other contagious illness. As of October 31, 2009, the CDC reported positive H1N1 testings' of 17,838 hospitalized cases and 672 deaths in 53 U.S. States and Territories. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm.
Most cases of H1N1 influenza in the United States have been mild and similar to the seasonal flu. Most people with H1N1 get better with bed rest, good nutrition and use of over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is NOT recommending people go to their primary care providers for testing. Certainly do call your primary care provider if symptoms persist.
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What is the Influenza situation in Oregon?
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The pandemic H1N1 strain continues to spread in Oregon. Between September 1, 2009 and October 26, 2009, there have been 482 hospitalizations and 15 deaths in Oregon linked to influenza. Hospital capacity across the state is adequate to handle the increase, although some hospitals have expressed concern that they may be at full capacity soon. http://www.flu.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx
Oregon is also experiencing outbreaks of flu in schools across the state, in some cases with 30 percent or more of staff or students out ill. So while H1N1 influenza is not more severe than the seasonal flu, more of us are getting sick because few of us have immunity to this new strain of influenza.
Declarations of Emergency
On October 23, 2009, Josephine County declared a county-level emergency because of the additional H1N1 pandemic stress on their healthcare system. Emergency declaration will help the county better marshal its resources for addressing the pandemic. As the situation warrants, we do expect other counties to make similar emergency declarations.
As of October 27, 2009, the situation in Oregon has not merited a statewide declaration of emergency because we are able to deploy supplies and resources to local communities. However, it is reassuring to know that if the need arises for a declaration, Governor Kulongoski is prepared to act.
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Who is Most at Risk?
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Certain groups are at increased risk of complications from H1N1. These include:
- Pregnant Women
- Infants
- Children and young adults up to 24 years of age
- Those with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or compromised immunity.
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How does Influenza Spread?
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Influenza viruses spread from person to person through close contact. Transmission occurs through several routes, including large droplets and direct and indirect contact. Airborne transmission may also occur over short distances, but this is not known with certainty.
- Droplet spread occurs when relatively large respiratory droplets produced by sneezing, coughing, talking or singing come in contact with another persons eye, nose or mouth. These droplets may spray approximately three feet. Droplet transmission is thought to be the major route of transmission for seasonal influenza.
- Airborne transmission results from inhalation of smaller infected droplets that spread through the air, for example when an infected person coughs forcefully, and may occur over short distances (3-6 feet).
- Direct contact occurs when there is direct transfer of the virus through skin to skin contact or kissing. For example, an infected person may cough into his or her hands and then shake hands with another person who may then touch his or her own eyes, nose or mouth.
- Indirect contact occurs when objects or surfaces contaminated with the secretions of an ill person are touched by another person and brought to the eyes, nose or mouth.
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How Long Does Influenza Remain on Surfaces?
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Limited information suggests that influenza viruses survive for 24-48 hours on hard, nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic but for less than 8-12 hours on cloth, paper and tissues. Influenza A virus can be transferred from stainless steel surface to hands for 24 hours, and from tissues to hands for up to 15 minutes.
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Pandemic H1N1 Informational Sites
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How at Risk is a College Setting for H1N1?
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Occupational Risk Pyramid for Pandemic Influenza by
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Very High Exposure Risk:
Healthcare employees (for example, doctors, nurses, dentists) performing aerosol-generating procedures on known or suspected pandemic patients (for example, cough induction procedures, bronchoscopies, some dental procedures, or invasive specimen collection). Healthcare or laboratory personnel collecting or handling specimens from known or suspected pandemic patients (for example, manipulating cultures from known or suspected pandemic influenza patients).
High Exposure Risk:
Healthcare delivery and support staff exposed to known or suspected pandemic patients (for example, doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff that must enter patients' rooms). Medical transport of known or suspected pandemic patients in enclosed vehicles (for example, emergency medical technicians). Performing autopsies on known or suspected pandemic patients (for example, morgue and mortuary employees).
Medium Exposure Risk:
Employees with high-frequency contact with the general population (such as schools, high population density work environments, and some high volume retail).
Lower Exposure Risk (Caution):
Employees who have minimal occupational contact with the general public and other coworkers (for example, office employees).
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What does this mean for MHCC?
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As we begin the Fall and Winter semesters we must be vigilant!
- Be careful to reduce the risk of spreading the influenza throughout the MHCC population. Cover your cough with your shirt sleeve or a tissue, wash your hands often, and stay home when you are sick. If you have a fever, stay home at least 24 hours after you no longer have influenza-like symptoms without fever-reducing medicine.
- Be sensitive to others and their families by not socializing when you are sick.
- Be careful in our daily lives to reduce the risk of spreading the flu among family and friends.
- Be prepared to take personal protective actions to keep ourselves healthy.
- Consider vaccination when it is available.
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