Information on the H1N1 Virus

As flu season approaches, the H1N1 virus, also commonly referred to as Swine Flu, is on everyone's mind. The office staff here at Servpro of Point Loma you might benefit from the latest and greatest information available on the H1N1 virus. We hope this article helps to keep your family safe this flu season!

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, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled hat a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.

IS NOVEL H1N1 CONTAGIOUS?

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

HOW DOES NOVEL H1N1 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 by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

HOW LONG CAN AN INFECTED PERSON SPREAD THIS VIRUS TO OTHERS?

People infected with seasonal and novel H1N1 flu may "shed virus" and be able to infect others from one day before getting sick to seven days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF FROM GETTING SICK?

As you may already know, a vaccine is available to help combat the effects of H1N1. If you're interested in receiving the vaccine, the County of San Diego has published a website with more information for you: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/Portal/flu/H1N1vaccine.html

The CDC recommends that medical providers give priority for the vaccine to certain target groups:

• Pregnant women
• Caretakers of infants under six months old
• Children and young adults six months to 24 years old
• Adults 25 to 64 years old with underlying medical conditions
• Health care workers

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza such as:

• 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.

HOW LONG CAN INFLUENZA VIRUS REMAIN VIABLE ON OBJECTS (SUCH AS BOOKS AND DOORKNOBS)?

Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for two to eight hours after being deposited on the surface.

WHAT KILLS INFLUENZA VIRUS?

Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212 degrees F). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodone-based antiseptics) and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in the 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 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 should be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.

HOW CAN SERVPRO OF POINT LOMA HELP?

If you would like professional assistance with cleaning a facility that has been exposed to H1N1, please give us a call at 619-275-2802. Servpro of Point Loma is here to help!

http://www.servproofpointloma.com/

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***