Novel H1N1 Flu

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    Novel H1N1 Flu

    What is novel H1N1 (swine flu)?

    Novel H1N1 (referred to as swine flu early on) 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, theWorld Health Organization (WHO)

    signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.

    Why is novel H1N1 virus sometimes called swine flu?

    This 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. But further study has shown

    that this new virus is very different from what normallycirculates in North American pigs. It 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.

    Novel H1N1 Flu in Humans

    Is novel H1N1 virus contagious?

    CDC has determined that novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human tohuman.

    How does novel H1N1 virus spread?

    Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to occur in 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 somethingsuch as a surface

    or objectwith flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth

    or nose.

    What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?

    The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people include fever,cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches,

    headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people

    who have been infected with this virus also have reported

    diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred

    as a result of illness associated with this virus.

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    How severe is illness associated with novel H1N1 flu virus?

    Illness with 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.

    In seasonal flu, certain people are at high risk of serious complications. This includes people65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any

    age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been

    hospitalized with this novel H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously

    recognized as placing people at high risk of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This

    includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

    One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years

    do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-related complications thus far. CDC

    laboratory studies have shown that children and few adults younger than 60 years old do not

    have existing antibody to novel H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than

    60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may beafforded against novel H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.

    How does novel H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?

    With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity.

    Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

    When the novel H1N1 outbreak was first detected in mid-April 2009, CDC began working with

    states to collect, compile and analyze information regarding the novel H1N1 flu outbreak,

    including the numbers of confirmed and probable cases and the ages of these people. The

    information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that novel H1N1 flu has caused greater

    disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. At this time, thereare few cases and few deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual

    when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high

    risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of

    complications from this novel H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes,

    suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular

    disorders and pregnancy.

    How long can an infected person spread this virus to others? People infected with seasonal and novel H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others

    from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially

    children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the newH1N1 virus.

    Prevention & TreatmentWhat can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

    There is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel H1N1 virus. However, a novel

    H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall. As always, a

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    vaccine will be available to protect againstseasonal influenza

    There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory

    illnesses like influenza.

    Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

    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 this way.

    Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

    If you are sick with flu-like illness,CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24

    hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your

    fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from

    others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

    Other important actions that you can take are:

    Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social

    distancing measures.

    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

    What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus

    through coughing or sneezing?

    If you are sick with flu-like illness,CDC recommends that you

    stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except

    to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should

    be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

    Keep away from others as much as possible. Cover your mouth

    and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your

    used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or

    sneeze.

    If I have a family member at home who is sick with novel H1N1 flu, should I go to work?Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with novel H1N1 flu can go

    to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, and take everyday

    precautions including washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they

    cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.* If they become ill, they

    should notify their supervisor and stay home. Employees who have an underlying medical

    condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, because they

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    might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness. For more information please

    see

    What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

    Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean

    withalcohol-based hand cleaner*.CDC recommends that when you wash your hands -- withsoap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not

    available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them

    in most supermarkets and drugstores. 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 novel H1N1 flu and become ill with

    influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea,

    or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. CDC

    recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get

    medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) 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.

    If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care

    provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or

    treatment is needed.

    If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical

    care.In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

    Fast breathing or trouble breathing

    Bluish or gray skin color

    Not drinking enough fluids

    Severe or persistent vomiting

    Not waking up or not interacting

    Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

    Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

    In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

    Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

    Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

    Sudden dizziness

    Confusion

    Severe or persistent vomiting

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    Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

    Are there medicines to treat novel H1N1 infection?

    Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention

    of infection with novel H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or

    an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in yourbody. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better

    faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. During the current pandemic, the

    priority use forinfluenza antiviral drugs during is to treat severe influenza illness (for example

    hospitalized patients) and people who are sick who have a condition that places them at high

    risk for serious flu-related complications.

    Contamination & Cleaning

    How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such

    as books and doorknobs)?

    Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive onenvironmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8

    hours after being deposited on the surface.

    What kills influenza virus?

    Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212F [75-100C]). 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. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels

    should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

    *What if soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed in my

    facility?

    Though the scientific evidence is not as extensive as that on hand washing and alcohol-based

    sanitizers, other hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol may be useful for killing flu germs

    on hands.

    What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

    Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and

    then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected

    person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets

    from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes,mouth or nose before washing their hands.

    How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?

    To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable

    items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash

    their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.

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    What household cleaning should be done to prevent the

    spread of influenza virus?

    To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep

    surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom,

    kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them

    down with a household disinfectant according to directions onthe product label.

    How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons

    infected with influenza virus be handled?

    Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned

    separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.

    Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and

    tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid hugging laundry prior to washing it to

    prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or

    alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.

    Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

    Exposures Not Thought to Spread Novel H1N1 Flu

    Can I get infected with novel H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?

    No. Novel H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected with novel HIN1 virus

    from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

    Is there a risk from drinking water?

    Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a

    risk for transmission of influenza viruses. Current drinking water treatment regulations provide

    a high degree of protection from viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility

    of novel H1N1 flu virus to conventional drinking water treatment processes. However, recent

    studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels typically used in drinking water treatment

    are adequate to inactivate highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. It is likely that other

    influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 would also be similarly inactivated by chlorination. To

    date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to

    influenza-contaminated drinking water.

    Can novel H1N1 flu virus be spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks,

    interactive fountains, and other treated recreational water venues?

    Influenza viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract. There has never been a documentedcase of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure. Recreational water that has

    been treated at CDC recommended disinfectant levels does not likely pose a risk for

    transmission of influenza viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of

    novel H1N1 influenza virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools, spas,

    water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational venues. However, recent

    studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels recommended by CDC (13 parts per

    million [ppm or mg/L] for pools and 25 ppm for spas) are adequate to disinfect avian influenza

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    A (H5N1) virus. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 virus would also be

    similarly disinfected by chlorine.

    Interim Recommendations for Facemask andRespirator Use to Reduce Novel Influenza A (H1N1)

    Virus Transmission

    August 5, 2009 5:00 PM ET

    This document has been updated in accordance with theCDC Recommendations for the

    Amount of Time Persons with Influenza-Like Illness Should be Away from Others. This

    document provides interim guidance and will be updated as needed

    This document provides updated interim guidance on the use of facemasks and respirators for

    decreasing the exposure to novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. This guidance replaces other CDC

    guidance on mask and/or respirator use that may be included in other CDC documents in

    regards to the outbreak of novel H1N1 virus. No change has been made to guidance on the use

    of facemasks and respirators for health care settings. This document includes guidance on

    facemask and respirator use for a wider range of settings than was included in previous

    documents and includes recommendations for those who are at increased risk of severe illness

    from infection with the novel H1N1 virus compared with those who are at lower risk of severe

    illness from influenza infection.For more information about human infection with novel

    influenza A (H1N1) virus, visit theCDC H1N1 Flu website.Other CDC novel H1N1 guidance will be

    updated with the information contained in this document as soon as possible.

    Detailed background information and recommendations regarding the use of facemasks and

    respirators in non-occupational community settings can be found on PandemicFlu.gov in the

    documentInterim Public Health Guidance for the Use of Facemasks and Respirators in Non-

    Occupational Community Settings during an Influenza Pandemic.Information on the use of

    facemasks and respirators in health care settings can be found at

    http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_infection_control.htm.

    Information on the effectiveness of facemasks and respirators

    for decreasing the risk of influenza infection in community

    settings is extremely limited. Thus, it is difficult to assess their

    potential effectiveness in decreasing the risk of novel influenzaA (H1N1) virus transmission in these settings. In the absence of

    clear scientific data, the interim recommendations below have

    been developed on the basis of public health judgment, the

    historical use of facemasks and respirators in other settings for

    preventing transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses, and on current information

    on the spread and severity of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus.

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    In areas with confirmed human cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, the risk for

    infection can be reduced through a combination of actions. No single action will provide

    complete protection, but an approach combining the following steps can help decrease the

    likelihood of transmission. These recommended actions are:

    Wash hands frequently with soap and water or usealcohol-based hand cleaner* whensoap and water are not available.

    Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

    Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

    People who are sick with an influenza-like illness (ILI) (fever plus at least cough or sore

    throat and possibly other symptoms like runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills,

    fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea) should stay home and keep away from others as much

    as possible, including avoiding travel, for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to

    get medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of

    fever-reducing medicine).

    Avoid close contact (i.e. being within about 6 feet) with persons with ILI.

    In addition, influenza antiviral medications are an important tool for the treatment and

    prevention of influenza, including novel H1N1. Also seeGuidance on the use of antiviral

    medications.

    Facemasks and Respirators

    Recommendations for the uses of facemasks and/or respirators are listed inTable 1 below for

    different settings where a person may be exposed to novel H1N1 virus. These

    recommendations also differ based on whether the person exposed to novel H1N1 is in a group

    at increased risk for severe illness from influenza infection. More information on preventinginfluenza transmission in health care settings can be found in theInterim Guidance for Infection

    Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus

    Infection in a Healthcare Setting.

    In community and home settings, the use of facemasks and respirators generally are not

    recommended. However, for certain circumstances as described inTable 1,a facemask or

    respirator may be considered, specifically for persons at increased risk of severe illness from

    influenza.

    Use of N95 respirators or facemasks generally is not recommended for workers in non-

    healthcare occupational settings for general work activities. For specific work activities thatinvolve contact with people who have ILI, such as escorting a person with ILI, interviewing a

    person with ILI, providing assistance to an individual with ILI, the following are recommended:

    workers should try to maintain a distance of 6 feet or more from the person with ILI;

    workers should keep their interactions with ill persons as brief as possible;

    the ill person should be asked to follow good cough etiquette and hand hygiene and to

    wear a facemask, if able, and one is available;

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    workers at increased risk of severe illness from influenza infection (see footnote 3 of

    table 1)should avoid people with ILI (possibly by temporary reassignment); and,

    where workers cannot avoid close contact with persons with ILI, some workers may

    choose to wear a facemask or N95 respirator on a voluntary basis.

    In the occupational healthcare setting, respiratory protection is recommended. Becauseinfection control precautions, including respiratory protection, are imperfect, workers who are

    at increased risk of severe illness from influenza, and who are caring for a patient with known,

    probable, or suspected novel H1N1 or ILI, may consider temporary reassignment to avoid

    exposure.

    Additional recommendations for use of facemasks by people who have ILI that may be due to

    novel H1N1 infection are included inTable 2.

    There are important differences between facemasks and respirators. Facemasks do not seal

    tightly to the face and are used to block large droplets from coming into contact with the

    wearers mouth or nose. Most respirators (e.g. N95) are designed to seal tightly to the wearersface and filter out very small particles that can be breathed in by the user. For both facemasks

    and respirators, however, limited data is available on their effectiveness in preventing

    transmission of H1N1 (or seasonal influenza) in various settings. However, the use of a

    facemask or respirator is likely to be of most benefit if used as early as possible when exposed

    to an ill person and when the facemask or respirator is used consistently.

    Facemasks: Unless otherwise specified, the term facemasks refers to disposable facemasks

    cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as medical devices. This

    includes facemasks labeled as surgical, dental, medical procedure, isolation, or laser masks.

    Such facemasks have several designs. One type is affixed to the head with two ties, conforms to

    the face with the aid of a flexible adjustment for the nose bridge, and may be flat/pleated orduck-billed in shape. Another type of facemask is pre-molded, adheres to the head with a single

    elastic band, and has a flexible adjustment for the nose bridge. A third type is flat/pleated and

    affixes to the head with ear loops. Facemasks cleared by the FDA for use as medical devices

    have been determined to have specific levels of protection from penetration of blood and body

    fluids. Facemasks help stop droplets from being spread by the person wearing them. They also

    keep splashes or sprays from reaching the mouth and nose of the person wearing the facemask.

    They are not designed to protect against breathing in very small particle aerosols that may

    contain viruses. Facemasks should be used once and then thrown away in the trash.

    Respirators:Unless otherwise specified, "respirator" refers to an N95 or higher filtering face

    piece respirator certified by the CDC/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH). A respirator is designed to protect the person wearing the respirator against breathing

    in very small particle aerosols that may contain viruses. A respirator that fits snugly on the face

    can filter out virus-containing small particle aerosols that can be generated by an infected

    person, but compared with a facemask it is harder to breathe through a respirator for long

    periods of time. Respirators are not recommended for children or people who have facial hair.

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    When respiratory protection is required in an occupational setting, respirators must be used in

    the context of a comprehensive respiratory protection program as required under OSHAs

    Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134). This includes fit testing, medical evaluation

    and training of the worker. When required in the occupational setting, tight-fitting respirators

    cannot be used by people with facial hair that interferes with the face seal.

    When respirators are used on a voluntary basis in an occupational setting, requirements for

    voluntary use of respirators in work sites can be found on theOSHA website.

    Employers should continue to evaluate workplace hazards related to the novel H1N1 influenza

    A situation in accordance with CDC and OSHA guidance. Mandatory use of respiratory

    protection may be required when work activities in occupational settings confer risk that is

    task/function based, and risk analyses conducted by the employer could identify hazardous

    work activities. For example, performing activities which generate large amounts of aerosols

    require respiratory protection regardless of the setting in which it is performed (i.e. in a

    hospital, an outpatient setting, a prison).

    Groups at Higher Risk for Severe Illness from Novel

    Influenza A (H1N1) Infection

    Groups of people at higher risk for severe illness from novel influenza A (H1N1) infection are

    thought to be the same as those people at higher risk for severe illness from seasonal influenza.

    These groups include:

    Children younger than 5 years old

    Persons aged 65 years or older

    Children and adolescents (younger than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin

    therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus

    infection

    Pregnant women

    Adults and children who have asthma, chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic,

    hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes;

    Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression

    caused by medications or by HIV)

    Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

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    1The effectiveness of respirators and facemasks in preventing transmission of novel H1N1 (or

    seasonal influenza) in various settings is not known. Use of a facemask or respirator is likely to

    be of most benefit if used correctly and consistently when exposed to an ill person.

    2For the purpose of this document, respirator refers to N95 or any other NIOSH-certified

    filtering face piece respirator.

    3Persons at increased risk of severe illness from influenza (i.e. high-risk persons) include those

    groups at higher risk for severe illness from seasonal influenza, including: children younger

    than 5 years old; persons aged 65 years or older; children and adolescents (younger than 18

    years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing

    Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection; pregnant women; adults and children who have

    pulmonary, including asthma, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic,

    neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders, such as diabetes; adults and children who have

    immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV); and,

    residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

    4The optimal use of respirators requires fit testing, training and medical clearance. Proper useis recommended to maximize effectiveness. The use of facemasks may be considered as an

    alternative to respirators, although they are not as effective as respirators in preventing

    inhalation of small particles, which is one potential route of influenza transmission. There is

    limited evidence available to suggest that use of a respirator without fit-testing may still

    provide better protection than a facemask against inhalation of small particles. Respirators are

    not recommended for children or persons who have facial hair (see FDA website).

    5Use of N95 respirators or facemasks generally is not recommended for workers in non-

    healthcare occupational settings for general work activities. For specific work activities that

    involve contact with people who have influenza-like illness (ILI) (fever plus at least either cough

    or sore throat and possibly other symptoms like runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills,fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea), such as escorting a person with ILI, interviewing a person with

    ILI, providing assistance to an individual with ILI, the following are recommended: a) workers

    should try to maintain a distance of 6 feet or more from the person with ILI; b) workers should

    keep their interactions with the ill person as brief as possible; c) the ill person should be asked

    to follow good cough etiquette and hand hygiene and to wear a facemask, if able, and one is

    available; d) workers at increased risk of severe illness from influenza infection (see footnote 3)

    circumstances circumstances

    Occupational (health care)

    Caring7 for persons with

    known, probable or

    suspected novel H1N1 or

    influenza-like illness

    Respirator Consider temporary reassignment.

    Respirator

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    should avoid people with ILI (possibly by temporary reassignment); and, e) where workers

    cannot avoid close contact with persons with ILI, some workers may choose to wear a facemask

    or N95 respirator on a voluntary basis (See footnote 1). When respirators are used on a

    voluntary basis in an occupational work setting, requirements for voluntary use of respirators in

    work sites can be found on theOSHA website.

    6Seecase definitions of confirmed, probable, and suspected novel influenza A (H1N1).Also see

    infection control in the health care setting.When respiratory protection is required in an

    occupational setting, respirators must be used in the context of a comprehensive respiratory

    protection program as required under OSHAs Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR

    1910.134). This includes fit testing, medical evaluation and training of the worker.

    7Caring includes all activities that bring a worker into proximity to a patient with known,

    probable, or suspected novel H1N1 or ILI, including both providing direct medical care and

    support activities like delivering a meal tray or cleaning a patients room.

    Table 2. CDC Interim Recommendations For Facemask Use For Persons Ill With Confirmed, Probable,

    Or Suspected Novel Influenza A (H1N1)1 To Prevent Transmission Of Novel H1N12

    Setting Recommendation

    Home (when sharing common spaces with

    other household members)

    Facemask preferred, if available and tolerable, or

    tissue to cover cough/sneeze

    Health care settings (when outside of patient

    room)

    Facemask, if tolerable

    Non-health care setting Facemask preferred, if available and tolerable, or

    tissue to cover cough/sneeze

    Breastfeeding Facemask preferred, if available and tolerable, or

    tissue to cover cough/sneeze

    1.Ill persons should be placed in well ventilated areas when possible and placed in areas where

    at least 6 feet distance can be maintained between the ill person and other well and ill persons.

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