Pandemic Flu and Infection Prevention and Control Emma.K.Lee Associate Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention & Control, LCHS

Transmission Incubation period - time from exposure to onset of symptoms - likely to be 1-4 days (2-3 typical) - likely to be 1-4 days (2-3 typical) Period of infectivity -when someone is capable of infecting others immediately from the onset of symptoms… immediately from the onset of symptoms… 3-5 days in most children 3-5 days in most children 7-8 days in most adults

Transmission Period of infectivity likely to be reduced by early treatment with Tamiflu® (within 12h) Infectiousness proportional to symptoms ‘Safe’ option is to assume infectious until symptoms have resolved

Possible modes of spread Large droplets: virus laden secretions - coughs, sneezes which travel up to 3 feet Contact: DIRECT persons touching each other skin-skin INDIRECT persons touching surfaces contaminated by viruses

Possible modes of spread Airborne or fine droplet (aerosol): tiny particles containing viruses which remain suspended in the air, can travel long distances, and be inhaled - not much evidence for this outside of animal models; not considered significant tiny particles containing viruses which remain suspended in the air, can travel long distances, and be inhaled - not much evidence for this outside of animal models; not considered significant

Virus survival Hard surfaces: viruses detectable for up to72hviruses detectable for up to72h transferable and detectable on hands for only 24htransferable and detectable on hands for only 24h Soft surfaces/furnishings: detectable for up to 24hdetectable for up to 24h transferable and detectable on hands for only 15 minutestransferable and detectable on hands for only 15 minutes Survival on hands after transfer: 5 minutes5 minutes

Clearance of virus Easily inactivated on surfaces by 1.household cleaners 2.bleach solutions 2.bleach solutions 3.standard detergents 3.standard detergents Easily inactivated on hands by 1.soap, water and drying 2.alcohol hand rub 2.alcohol hand rub

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

If in close contact with a case or suspected case of influenza during a pandemic situation the infection control guidance is the same as in a non-pandemic situation i.e. use of appropriate PPE to avoid acquisition/spread of infection

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Wear a surgical mask, then… Direct care to be provided? NO Mask only for entry to area with no patient contact YES Don disposable gloves and plastic apron

Work from Clean to Dirty Limit opportunities for touch contamination Protect yourselves, others and the environment Discard as clinical waste. Don't touch your face or adjust PPE with contaminated gloves Don't touch environmental surfaces except as necessary during patient care

Your Responsibilities Acting as a role model – embed good infection control procedures on a day-to-day basis at work & at home Acting as a role model – embed good infection control procedures on a day-to-day basis at work & at home Awaiting final guidance from DH on infection control for Social Care (check DoH website) Awaiting final guidance from DH on infection control for Social Care (check DoH website) People who become symptomatic at work should go home as quickly as possible, isolating themselves where practical & contact the National Flu Line People who become symptomatic at work should go home as quickly as possible, isolating themselves where practical & contact the National Flu Line Although national provision of PPE is being discussed employers need to make provision guidance available at: Although national provision of PPE is being discussed employers need to make provision guidance available at: HSE DoH - Pandemic influenza: guidance for infection control in hospitals and primary care settingsDoH - Pandemic influenza: guidance for infection control in hospitals and primary care settings

Further Information & Questions? Websites – further infection control information Websites – further infection control information Department of Health (DoH)Department of Health (DoH) Health Protection Agency (HPA)Health Protection Agency (HPA) World Health Organisation (WHO)World Health Organisation (WHO) DoH Pandemic Flu FAQ –delegate packs DoH Pandemic Flu FAQ –delegate packs (NHS Lincolnshire – Pandemic Flu Planning Coordinator) (NHS Lincolnshire – Pandemic Flu Planning Coordinator)