Influenza Preparedness & Proper Hand Hygiene Protocol

In response to cases of swine influenza A(H1N1) reported in Mexico and the United States of America, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Margaret Chan has determined that current events constitute a public health emergency of international concern.

Swine flu has sickened at least eight people in Texas and California and has affected more than 1,000 people in Mexico.

Major health organizations, such as the WHO, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada agree that handwashing and hand sanitizing with an alcohol-based hand rub are especially critical to minimize the spread of germs during times of illness outbreak. The CDC recommends:

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.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• swine
• flu
• influenza
• prevention
• Preparedness