What You Need to Know to Survive the H1N1 Flu Season 2009/2010 H1N1 Tutorial What You Need to Know to Survive the H1N1 Flu Season

So relax and take a deep breath! How Serious Is This? Data indicate that the H1N1 influenza virus is comparable to seasonal influenza in terms of the severity of illness and transmission of infection. So relax and take a deep breath!

to those taken for seasonal influenza. NYS Department of Health continues to recommend that infection control measures for H1N1 influenza be similar to those taken for seasonal influenza.

These recommendations apply to ALL patients with influenza or acute febrile respiratory illness. Fever (temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) cough and/or a sore throat in the absence of a KNOWN cause other than influenza.

People with the H1N1 flu have reported the following signs and symptoms: Fever Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Body aches Headache Chills Fatigue Some have reported diarrhea and vomiting

WARNING! If your adult patient exhibits these warning signs, expedite transport to the ED: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting Symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

WARNING! If your pediatric patient exhibits these warning signs, expedite transport to the ED: Fast breathing or trouble breathing Bluish or gray skin color Not drinking enough fluids Severe or persistent vomiting Not waking up or not interacting Irritability, not wanting to be held Symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

H1N1 Survival Guide The following 10 Commandments will help you increase you and your family’s chances of not catching the H1N1 or any other kind of flu this season

1 Thou shalt wash your hands meticulously before and after patient care and after removal of PPE. When removing PPE, remove your gloves first, then the facemask, then wash your hands.

2 If you suspect your patient has the flu, thou shalt ALWAYS wear a fit-tested N-95 respirators and eye protection (goggles or face shields) when performing any procedure that puts you in contact with your patient’s respiratory secretions.

3 Thou shalt thoroughly clean and disinfect any surfaces and equipment used during a response to a possible influenza patient.

4 Thou shalt offer masks to all patients with symptoms of a respiratory illness if the patient can tolerate wearing them. Otherwise provide patients with tissues.

5 Thou shalt advise the receiving hospital that you are transporting a patient with an influenza-like illness, so they can take precautions and provide you with any additional guidance on arrival destination.

Get vaccinated for novel H1N1 influenza once the vaccine is available. 6 Thou shalt get vaccinated for seasonal influenza early this and every year. Get vaccinated for novel H1N1 influenza once the vaccine is available.

Onondaga County is sponsoring a free H1N1 flu vaccine clinic on October 14th, 2009 from 1 pm to 6 pm  at the Regional Market, 2100 Park Street, Syracuse  RSVP by October 7th:  Stacey Lee Cibula, 435-3204    or register online: www.ongov.net/Health   Wear your uniform or bring your ID tag  

Thou shalt always sneeze or cough 7 Thou shalt always sneeze or cough into your arm, never into your hands.

8 Thou shalt refrain from touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs are way too easily spread this way

I’m pretty sure I didn’t really need to tell you this! 9 Whenever possible, thou shalt avoid unnecessary contact with really sick people! I’m pretty sure I didn’t really need to tell you this!

10 If you are sick with a febrile respiratory or influenza-like illness, thou shalt STAY HOME for at least 24 hours after you start feeling better and your fever is gone, without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

The Final Word This continues to be an evolving situation. New and updated Information and recommendations are being developed. Please remain vigilant in your response to influenza - like symptoms by keeping yourself informed and referring to the websites (next slide) for the latest information and recommendations.

Websites NYS Department of Health: www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/ CDC: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ NYCDOH/MH: www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cd/cd-h1n1flu.shtml

This Tutorial is Completed If you have any questions, please contact our infection control officer – Dep. Chief Paul Doner This presentation was borrowed from NOVA Ambulance The HHFD thanks NOVA infection control officer – John Marko for his creative approach to sharing this information.