Question and Answers
Flu hot line
Testing
· UDOH has received kits from the CDC over the weekend that will give the state lab the capacity of positively identify H1N1 without having to send samples to CDC. It will take a few days to conduct quality control and ensure the kits work properly before they can be used
SNS Stockpile
· SNS stockpile antivirals have arrived in Utah, but will not be released for use until either a local or state emergency is declared
· Stockpile medications are allocated for treatment of very ill patients (hospitalized, at high risk for complications) only, not prophylaxis.
Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette·
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Note: The mitigation measures above are proven more effective than wearing a mask.Voluntary Isolation (i.e. stay home when you are sick)
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by infected people.
* If you get sick, SLVHD recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Be Prepared
Now is the time to prepare for a pandemic.
· Whether at work, school or in your community, a severe pandemic will disrupt our normal way of life.Businesses· Business should evaluate their continuity plans to ensure they can continue to provide services.
· In addition to encouraging healthy habits like hand washing, getting enough sleep and covering coughs, business should:o Encourage sick employees to remain home - this will prevent other employees from spreading influenza among their coworkers.o Anticipate how your business will operate when a significant portion of your workforce is absent.Families
· Families should prepare for possible disruption.
· In addition to adopting healthy habits like hand washing, getting enough sleep and covering coughs, families should prepared for:o School or daycare closureso Cancellation of community and after school eventso Caring for an ill loved one (not being able to work)Communities
· Communities should prepare to help reduce the spread of illness. Community events may have to be postponed in the future to prevent widespread illness.
· Visit www.pandemicflu.gov/plan for more information and help getting started.,>
More swine flu information ·
http://health.utah.gov/swineflu
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu
http://www.who.int/en
