So Fall is here, the trees are turning color and flu season is upon us. With many of us working in our cubicles sharing the air, we also share germs which lead to influenza. Influenza is common and it occurs annually. This year we get to deal with the Novel H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as H1N1. On June 11, 2009, The World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a global pandemic of Novel influenza A (H1N1) was underway by raising the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6, its highest level. This week the first batch of vaccine is being distributed to those individuals who are regarded as “high risk” as well as health care workers. From a facility management standpoint, here are a few things you should know about the virus.

So what is the difference between an epidemic and pandemic?
An epidemic is an increase in disease above what is normally expected. A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic. Pandemics are inevitable and occur throughout history. The illness spreads quickly and globally. The Novel A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “since declared a pandemic, the new H1N1 virus has continued to spread, with the number of countries reporting cases of novel H1N1 nearly doubling”. By June 19, 2009, all 50 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands had reported the novel H1N1 infection. The United States continues to report the largest number of novel H1N1 cases of any country.

Why is the 2009 H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
The virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America per the CDC. However, further studies proved that the virus is quite different than normally found in the North American pigs. The virus has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.

How does the 2009 H1N1 virus spread?
The spread of H1N1 is believed to occur the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something such as a surface of a desk, a doorknob, a phone receiver or mouse with the virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How severe is illness associated with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus?
The CDC reports that the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. “While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred. About 70% of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at high risk of serious seasonal flu-related complications, including pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
A person infected with the seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed the virus and may be able to infect others from one day before getting sick to 5-7 days after. This timeframe can be longer depending on the individual’s overall health.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
The CDC recommends that when you wash your hands—with soap and warm water—that you wash for 15-20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where people have been identified with 2009 H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to seek medical attention or for other necessities. Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel shopping, social events and public gatherings.