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H1N1 FLU (Swine Flu) OUTBREAK
A Pandemic Is Declared On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.
In the United States, most people who have become ill with the newly declared pandemic virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment, however, CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this pandemic in the coming days and weeks. In addition, this virus could cause significant illness with associated hospitalizations and deaths in the fall and winter during the U.S. influenza.
According to the CDC, as of July 24, the last time that individual case counts were reported, there were a total of 43,771 confirmed and probable cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) in the United States including 9079 hospitalized cases and 593 deaths, which includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Please note that the CDC is no longer providing daily updates on case counts in the United States and that the CDC had long advised that these case counts in the United States were incomplete and there are likely many more unreported cases.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Source: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
Q. What is the H1N1 (swine) flu?
A. The 2009 swine flu outbreak is the spread of a new strain of H1N1 influenza A virus that was first detected by public health agencies in March 2009. Localized outbreaks of influenza-like illness were detected in three areas initially in Mexico and soon after in the United States and Canada.
Q. How many swine flu virus subtypes are there?
A. Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e.swap genes), and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses, can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.
Q. What precautions can be taken against the H1N1 (swine) flu? (The CDC has issued new guidelines for the 2009/2010 school year.
A. The CDC has issued the following recommendations if the severity of the flu is similar to Spring 2009.
1. Stay home when sick:
Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Stay home when you are sick.
2. Separate ill students and staff:
Students and staff who appear to have flu-like illness should be sent to a room separate from others until they can be sent home. CDC recommends that they wear a surgical mask, if possible, and that those who care for ill students and staff wear protective gear such as a mask.
3. Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette:
The new recommendations emphasize the importance of the basic foundations of influenza prevention: stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).
4. Routine cleaning:
School staff should routinely clean areas that students and staff touch often with the cleaners they typically use. Special cleaning with bleach and other non-detergent-based cleaners is not necessary.
5. Early treatment of high-risk students and staff: People at high risk for influenza complications who become ill with influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible.
6. Consideration of selective school dismissal:
Although there are not many schools where all or most students are at high risk (for example, schools for medically fragile children or for pregnant students) a community might decide to dismiss such a school to better protect these high-risk students.
For complete information including guidelines for more severe flu conditions CLICK HERE
As with most contagious diseases, the number one way to stop in the transmission is to WASH YOUR HANDS.
BETCO RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
To view Betco's new flu prevention page CLICK HERE
To view Betco's new new Fight Bac RTU Sell Sheet CLICK HERE
EPA believes, based on available scientific information, that the currently registered influenza A virus products will be effective against the 2009-H1N1 flu strain and other influenza A virus strains on hard, non-porous surfaces. For safe and effective use of these products, always follow label instructions for these products, paying special attention to the product’s dilution rate (if applicable) and contact time. See below the list of products:
305 Sanibet™ (Disinfectant Claim)
306 Betco® 256
311 Fight Bac™ RTU
313 Betco® Lemon
315 AF/315
316 pH7Q
316C Daily Disinfect (Canada Only)
325 pH7Q Ultra
325C Daily Disinfect SC (Canada Only)
331 AF79 Concentrate
340 Quat Stat™ SC
350 Quat Stat™
357 OxyFECT™ H
537 Green Earth® Daily Disinfectant Cleaner
079 AF79
070 Rest Stop
094 TB Plus Spray
Betco recommends Clario™ skin care products and proper handwashing for preventing illness. Suggested products include:
781 Clario™ Green Earth® Foaming Skin Cleanser
757 Clario™ Foaming Antibacterial Skin Cleanser
774 Clario™ Foaming Alcohol Instant Hand Sanitizer (When soap and water are not available)
For more information please visit the following links from the Centers for Disease Control:
Centers for Disease Control Swine Flu Updated Info
For more information on Betco products:
Click here for Betco Disinfectants
Click here for Clario Skin Care
To see a video on proper handwashing:
Click here to view Proper Skin Care Video
 Click here to view Templates and Guidelines for Creating a Pandemic Preparedness Manual by the IFMA Foundation.
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