Prevent Swine Flu

Like seasonal flu, 2009 H1N1 flu in humans can fluctuate in seriousness from mild to severe. Formerly known as swine flu, the 2009 H1N1 flu virus infection can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people with the flu may also experience symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. It has been noted that certain groups might be more likely to develop a severe illness from 2009 H1N1 flu infection, such as pregnant women and persons with chronic medical conditions.

Influenza viruses are thought to spread from person to person by respiratory droplets coming from coughs and sneezes of an infected person. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are spread through the air and settles on the mouth or nose of someone close by.  Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets that may be on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose before washing their hands.

The preferred course of action, of course, would be to avoid close contact with persons infected with the flu as much as humanly possible.  Close contact would be considered less than about 6 feet away from the infected person.  If you must come into contact with a sick person spend the least amount of time possible near them and try to wear a facemask or surgical mask or N95 disposable respirator if at all possible. An N95 respirator that fits snugly on your face can filter out small particles that can be inhaled around the edges of a facemask. It may harder to breathe through an N95 mask for long periods of time compared to a facemask. Facemasks and respirators can be found for purchase at a pharmacy, building supply or hardware store.

Some helpful hints to keep in mind if you find yourself in need of wearing a facemask or N95 respirator are the following:

• Wear an N95 respirator if you help a sick person with respiratory treatments using a nebulizer or inhaler, as directed by their doctor. Respiratory treatments should be performed in a separate room away from common areas of the house when at all possible.
• Used facemasks and N95 respirators should be taken off and placed immediately in the regular trash so they don’t touch anything else.
• Avoid re-using disposable facemasks and N95 respirators, if possible. If a reusable fabric facemask is used, it should be laundered with normal laundry detergent and tumble-dried in a hot dryer.
• After you take off a facemask or N95 respirator, clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

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