Swine Flu Facts
• WHO (World Health Organization) declared a global pandemic on June 11, 2009.
• The H1N1 virus continues to circulate in the United States and more than 120 other
countries, especially in the southern hemisphere, where flu season is under way.
• The H1N1 virus is not an airborne virus except in droplet form
• Transmission is through direct contact and most likely passed via hands.
• An MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) study has determined the next mutation
of the virus could be resistant to Tamiflu® which would limit the treatment options.
• The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is mildly surprised that the H1N1
virus is continuing to cause illness during the summer months when the flu is not common.
• Most young people have no immunity to this virus. To date the most affected age groups
are 5-24 years of age.
• Individuals over 60 years of age are most likely to have immunity built up for this virus.
• The Swine Flu virus can survive for 2-8 hours on surfaces.
• The swine flu virus is transferred when an individual contacts the virus and then touches
their eyes, nose or mouth before washing hands.
• An individual is considered contagious from 1 day before they exhibit symptoms to 7 days
after they become ill.
• The CDC recommends individuals stay in isolation for 7 days after the onset of illness or 24
hours after symptoms are gone.
Steps to reduce the risk of infection
• Frequent hand washing is a key
- Using an antimicrobial soap with up to 6 hours of residual killing action (Hibiclens)
will reduce the risk of transfer between hand washings.
• Frequent use of a hand sanitizer when a sink is not available
- Using an alcohol wipe with CHG (Hibistat) will remain active on the skin for up to 6
hours and help reduce the risk of contamination.
• Avoid crowds. If you can not avoid crowds, try to keep a safe distance from others
(3-6 feet) to avoid the risk of droplet contamination.
• Get plenty of sleep and exercise to keep the immune system strong.
• Stay home if you are experiencing flu symptoms (fatigue, fever, nausea, etc).
• Isolate individuals that are ill or have flu like symptoms.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than hand to reduce the risk of transfer.
• Mask Usage
- Wear a surgical mask when providing care (since the 3-6 foot separation will not
be observed)
- A surgical mask may be worn by infected individuals to reduce the potential to
contaminate others.
Take steps to help prevent infection. Call 1.800.843.8497.