H1N1 Influenza (SWINE FLU)

Technical Bulletin – H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

Breaking the chain: Routine cleaning and disinfection of the patients surroundings should be done daily to reduce the risk of transmission using an EPA or DIN registered Hospital Grade Disinfectant with special consideration taken for cleaning and disinfection of hand contact surfaces and non-critical equipment. For “Comfort and Confidence” a disinfectant technology with the highest level of virucidal activity (meaning can inactivate the gold standard tough to kill non-enveloped viruses such as Norwalk, Rotavirus, Polio and Parvovirus) has obvious advantages.

2009 H1N1 Flu ("Swine Flu") and You: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2009 H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.
Excerpt:“Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including... hydrogen peroxide... are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. ”
ASHES Member Advisory: Swine Influenza (52 KB): American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES)
On April 26, 2009, the CDC issued Key Facts About Swine Influenza as well as Interim Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting.
Calgary schools' absentee rates eclipse 10%: By Eva Ferguson, with files from Renata D'Aliesio, Calgary Herald, Calgary Herald
Dozens of Calgary schools are reporting absentee rates of higher than 10 per cent, sending letters home and doubling their cleaning efforts as H1N1 fears envelop the city and its young families.
Excerpt:“At the 10 per cent mark, both boards say schools will immediately send letters home and begin to clean high-touch areas, not once, but twice daily. High-touch areas include counters, desktops, doorknobs, lunchroom tables and all bathrooms. ”
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection in the School Environment: Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Influenza viruses including the pH1N1 (pandemic) strain can survive between 8 to 48 hours on environmental surfaces including hard toys, countertops, door knobs, hand rails, phones, computer keyboards* etc. While these viruses can be inactivated by routine cleaning with commercially available cleaning products, the use of certain disinfectants are also very effective.
FightFlu.CA: Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
All strains of influenza can be dangerous; however, good infection prevention measures can help protect you and others if this virus begins to spread rapidly in Canada. Wash your hands often and thoroughly in warm, soapy water or use hand sanitizer Cough and sneeze in your arm, not your hand Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected Stay home if you’re sick, unless directed to seek medical care
Green Cleaning in the Era of H1N1: One School Building Manager's Experience: Healthy Schools Campaign
Bill Thompson, Director of Facilities for Lockport Township High School discusses how schools can work against the spread of H1N1 using green cleaning.
Excerpt:“We began disinfecting desks every other day (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and then on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays we use an accelerated hydrogen peroxide cleaner, which has sanitizing properties. ”
H1N1 Decision Chart (44 KB): Health Link Alberta
IF YOU HAVE FLU SYMPTOMS: Use the guidelines in this table to help make the best decision for you and your loved ones.
H1N1 Flu Clinical and Public Health Guidance: CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Information regarding guidance for the H1N1 Influneza
Human Cases of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) - Interim Guidance: Infection prevention and control measures for Health Care Workers in Acute Care Facilities (151 KB): Public Health Agency of Canada
This fact sheet has been developed to provide interim guidance to health care workers (HCWs) in the infection prevention and control management of suspect cases with Swine Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) virus. This infection prevention and control guidance is for HCWs caring for patients with Influenza-like Illness (ILI) suspected to be due to the novel Swine Influenza A H1N1 influenza virus.
Interim Clinical Guidance for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women with Influenza-Like Illness in the context of the Pandemic H1N1 2009 Virus (88 KB): Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
This guidance has been developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada for clinicians to manage pregnant and breastfeeding patients presenting with cough and fever in the context of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus (H1N1 2009).
Interim Guidance for Ambulatory Care of Influenza-Like Illness in the context of H1N1 influenza virus (101 KB): Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
This guidance has been developed for clinicians to manage patients presenting with cough and fever in the context of pandemic H1N1 and other respiratory pathogens. These guidelines highlight the need for infection prevention and control measures, targeted assessment and laboratory testing, and ongoing collaboration with public health.
Interim Guidance for emergency use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) In children under one year of age in the context of 2009 (H1N1) pandemic (105 KB): Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
This guidance document has been prepared by the Public Health Agency of Canada to assist clinicians in the management of children under one year of age presenting with Influenza-like-illness (ILI) in the context of the (H1N1) 2009 pandemic.
Interim Guidance for the Management of pandemic H1N1 2009 outbreaks in closed facilities (104 KB): Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
This guidance document has been prepared by the Public Health Agency of Canada to provide guidance to clinicians and public health professionals on the management of pandemic H1N1 outbreaks in closed facilities in which high risk persons reside.
Interim Guidance: Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Prehospital Care: Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
This guidance document is being provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada in response to the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 outbreak. This guidance is based on current, available scientific evidence about this emerging disease, and is subject to review and change as new information becomes available.
Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus - Resources for Dental Professionals (86 KB): Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP)
Excerpt:“As more details emerge, the CDC will be updating the dental profession on recommendations for dental facilities. In the interim, if patients are feeling ill, they should delay dental treatment until they are feeling better. If patients present with flu-like symptoms, they should be referred to a physician for testing. Dental personnel should follow CDC's suggested work restrictions, in the absence of state and local regulations, if they feel they have been exposed to or infected.”
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Virus - Links and Resources: CHICA-Canada, Links and Resources
Excerpt:“Confirmed cases of Swine Influenza A/H1N1 have now occurred in Mexico, the U.S., Canada (British Columbia, Nova Scotia), the U.K. (Scotland) and Spain, triggering a global alert for severe respiratory illnesses (SRI) surveillance and control. Officials in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada have been liaising with the World Health Organization to better understand the risk which these SRI events pose.”
Preparing for the second wave: lessons from current outbreaks: World Health Organization (WHO)
Monitoring of outbreaks from different parts of the world provides sufficient information to make some tentative conclusions about how the influenza pandemic might evolve in the coming months.
Routine Cleaning and Disinfection of Commonly Touched Surfaces During Influenza Season: City of Ottawa
Influenza viruses, such as the pH1N1 strain, can be transmitted through hand contact and by contamination of commonly touched items and environmental surfaces such as door knobs, taps, hand rails, phones, computer keyboards, elevator buttons, shared musical instruments, sports equipment, toys, countertops, and so on.
Serious Respiratory Illness is Swine Flu: Fraser Health, BC
Testing has shown that the Serious Respiratory Illness (SRI) in Mexico is a novel reassorted H1N1 swine influenza with gene segments from North American swine and avian influenza, human influenza, and a Eurasian swine influenza. Sequencing is incomplete, but so far is identical to that in 8 California/Texas cases with milder disease. Mexico has increased influenza outbreak control to include closing schools/universities and museums. WHO has activated its strategic health operations centre, in
Swine Flu – General Information: Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
Excerpt:“Human swine influenza has been reported in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is working collaboratively with Mexican and American officials to further investigate this situation. PHAC continues to work with federal, provincial and international governments to address this situation, and will share more information with Canadians as it becomes available.”
Swine Influenza (Flu): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Excerpt:“WHO is coordinating the global response to human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic. Information on this page tracks the evolving situation and provides access to both technical guidelines and information useful for the general public.”