H1N1 (Swine Influenza) Prevention Tips

Tweet

As some people here know I work in the health care industry and this morning I've been busy in conferences and information sessions on H1N1 prevention and pandemic response. Since the vaccine will not be released until November (well after the first wave is expected to hit, which is right now), I received a lot of tips that I was already aware of, but I was amazed at how many people in the conferences were unaware of some of these tips. First and foremost -- wash your hands! On average most people wash their hands ineffectively and improperly. Rinsing your hands under running water is not an effective way to rid them of bacteria. 1. Remove all jewelry from hands and wrists, 2. Wet your hands under warm running water, 3. Add liquid soap away from the water, and lather up (*Be careful to keep the lather away from the running water), 4. Rub your hands together vigorously for the count of about 30 seconds (sing "Happy Birthday" twice in your head), 5. Ensure your have washed the fronts and backs of your hands, as well as between fingers and under nails. 6. Rinse thoroughly under warm, running water to rinse away excess soap (this can dry out your hands causing cracks which bacteria will flourish in!), 7. Pat hands dry with paper towel, and using the same paper towel, turn off water and then dispose in a proper receptacle. In the absence of proper handwashing facilities, alcohol based hand sanitizers can be used. HOWEVER, it should be noted that only those sanitizers with an ethyl alcohol content of about 70% or more can be considered truly effective. If you are using a hand sanitizer, ensure that you use the same method that you would while scrubbing your hands -- wash backs and fronts of hand, between fingers and under nails. Use enough to wet all surfaces of your hands and rub until dry. Try to stay in good general health: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drinks plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and ensure you are practicing proper handwashing techniques if you come into contact with someone who is ill. Do not touch your face with your hands. If you are already experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, consider the following: - Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you do not have a tissue available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or crook of your arm at the elbow -- not your hands! - Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further. Unless you are experiencing complications, do not visit your local doctor's office or emergency room to prevent it from spreading further. Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious. - To prevent the spread, keep surfaces such as bedside tables, bathroom and kitchen surfaces and children's toys clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant. - Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. - Linens, eating utensils and dishes used by persons infected with influenza should be handled with care and not shared with healthy individuals prior to cleaning. Avoid "hugging" laundry prior to washing bed linens to prevent contamination yourself if you are not ill. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry. I hope some of these things help, and everyone can get through this flu season healthy and happy!