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NIOSH Safety and Health Topic:

Occupational Health Issues Associated with H1N1 Influenza Virus (Swine Flu)

Overview

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is coordinating with other parts of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address national health needs associated with preventing the spread of H1N1 Influenza Virus and providing information to workers and employers. NIOSH provides technical guidance for workers, including health-care and transportation workers, for whom job-related questions about exposure or infection may be an occupational concern.

H1N1 Influenza Resources for Workers

CDC H1N1 Influenza Virus
Provides information about swine influenza viruses, their transmission, and the public health implications of human infections.

Psychological and Social Support for Essential Service Workers During an Influenza Pandemic
adobe acrobat icon PDF Only (30 pg.203KB)

Interim Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting
This document provides interim guidance and will be updated as needed.

Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for Management of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection
This document provides interim guidance and will be updated as needed.

Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Biosafety Guidelines for Laboratory Workers
This guidance is for laboratory workers who may be processing or performing diagnostic testing on clinical specimens from patients with suspected swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, or performing viral isolation.

Interim Guidance to Assist Airline Flight Deck and Cabin Crew in Identifying Passengers Who May Have Swine Influenza
This document provides interim guidance for domestic and international flights originating
from areas affected by the swine influenza A (H1N1) and will be updated as needed.

H1N1 and Safe Travel
This document provides guidance for travelers, for workers whose occupations may involve issues relating to travel, and others.

Other Pandemic Flu Resources for Workers

OSHA Topic: Pandemic Influenza External Web Site Policy.
Information about pandemic flu and the workplace.

Pandemicflu.gov External Web Site Policy.

Interim Guidance on Environmental Management of Pandemic Influenza Virus External Web Site Policy.

Interim Guidance for Cargo Trucking Crews for the Prevention of Pandemic Influenza External Web Site Policy.

Interim Guidance on Cleaning Transit Vehicles and Facilities during a Pandemic External Web Site Policy.

Other CDC H1N1 Flu Resources

Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use in Certain Community Settings Where Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Transmission Has Been Detected
Provides recommendations and information on the effectiveness of respiratory protection in certain settings.

Podcast: General Instructions for Disposable Respirators
This podcast, intended for the general public, demonstrates how to put on and take off disposable respirators that are to be used in areas affected by influenza outbreak.

Podcast: Use of Facemasks and Respirators
This program demonstrates the differences of facemasks and respirators that are to be used in public settings during an influenza pandemic.

Cover your cough - Poster for health-care settings
adobe acrobat icon PDF Only (1pg. 168KB)

Cover your cough - poster for community and public settings like schools and child care facilities
adobe acrobat icon PDF Only (1pg. 516KB)

Clean Hands Save Lives - Protect patients, protect yourself (poster)
adobe acrobat icon PDF Only (1pg. 44KB)

Video: Put your hands together
Scientists estimate that people are not washing their hands often or well enough and may transmit up to 80% of all infections by their hands. From doorknobs to animals to food, harmful germs can live on almost everything. Handwashing may be your single most important act to help stop the spread of infection and stay healthy.

Related NIOSH Safety and Health Topics

Aerosols
Links to information regarding the measurement, control, exposure characterization and health effects associated with aerosols in the workplace.

Agriculture
Links to publications on agricultural topics including ergonomics, grain handling, injuries and deaths, machinery, and young workers. Provides links to additional agricultural resources.

Avian Influenza
Information about avian influenza, identifies potential risks for poultry workers, and explains the potential threats associated with the virus.

Eye Protection for Infection Control
Information on types of eye protection for a variety of exposure settings where workers may be at risk of acquiring infectious diseases via ocular exposure.

Emergency Response Resources
Information for first responders and other emergency response workers on disasters, chemicals, protective equipment, more...

Health Care Workers
Resources for health care workers on physical, chemical biological hazards, emergency preparedness, work schedules, and more.

Protective Clothing
Information about protecting the skin from various health hazards that may be encountered in the workplace.

Respirators
Information about respirators including selection, cleaning and maintenance, certification, standards and rulemaking, user notices, and other resources.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
A compilation of workplace resources about SARS.

Understanding Respiratory Protection Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Information about personal protective equipment and techniques to prevent exposure to SARS, and the spread of contaminated materials.

Page last updated: May 2, 2009
Page last reviewed: April 29, 2009
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division

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H1N1 Influenza Virus (Swine Flu)