| | Preguntas sobre la gripe (porcina) H1N1
- ¿Cómo se contrae la gripe (porcina) H1N1?
- How does this new H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of this H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. - ¿Existen medicamentos para tratar la gripe (porcina) H1N1?
- ¿Durante cuánto tiempo puede una persona infectada diseminar la gripe (porcina) H1N1 a los demás?
- ¿Qué puedo hacer para protegerme del contagio?
- ¿Cómo puede alguien con gripe infectar a otra persona?
- ¿Se puede contraer la gripe (porcina) H1N1 al comer cerdo?
- Do pigs carry this virus and can I catch this virus from a pig?
- At this time, there is no evidence that swine in the United States are infected with this new virus. However, there are flu viruses that commonly cause outbreaks of illness in pigs. Most of the time, these viruses do not infect people, but influenza viruses can spread back and forth between pigs and people.
- How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface. - What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. - Is there a risk from drinking water?
Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. Current drinking water treatment regulations provide a high degree of protection from viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of the novel H1N1 flu virus to conventional drinking water treatment processes. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels typically used in drinking water treatment are adequate to inactivate highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 would also be similarly inactivated by chlorination. To date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated drinking water. - Can the new H1N1 flu virus be spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational water venues?
Influenza viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract. There has never been a documented case of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure. Recreational water that has been treated at CDC recommended disinfectant levels does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of the H1N1 influenza virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational venues. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels recommended by CDC (1–3 parts per million [ppm or mg/L] for pools and 2–5 ppm for spas) are adequate to disinfect avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 virus would also be similarly disinfected by chlorine. - Can H1N1 influenza virus be spread at recreational water venues outside of the water?
Yes, recreational water venues are no different than any other group setting. The spread of this novel H1N1 flu is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
- Can people get 2009 H1N1 flu virus by eating food products?
Influenza viruses are not known to be spread by eating food items. Influenza viruses are spread through inhalation or through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. - Could a sick restaurant worker transmit 2009 H1N1 flu virus to consumers in a restaurant or other food-service venue?
Transmission of the virus in a restaurant could occur through the normal routes of infection that could happen in any public or private setting—inhalation of the virus expelled by infected individuals when coughing or sneezing, and, by touching any surface that is contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
Influenza is not known to be spread through consumption of a food item. However, in accordance with long-standing FDA recommendations, food workers experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness should not work with exposed food, clean equipment, utensils, linens or unwrapped single-service or single-use articles.
In addition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals experiencing symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus stay home from work (see CDC Web site http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm). - Should individuals or restaurants alter cooking methods to decrease the risk of 2009 H1N1 flu virus?
It is not necessary to alter cooking times or temperatures for any food products in order to reduce chances of contracting 2009 H1N1 flu virus, because eating food is not a known method of transmission of influenza viruses. - What are the FDA’s requirements and recommendations for the food industry regarding workers who are sick?
Current Good Manufacturing Practice Requirements:
Long-standing federal regulations require that any person who is shown to have, or appears to have, an illness by which there is a reasonable possibility of food, food-contact surfaces, or food-packaging materials becoming contaminated must be excluded from any operations that may be expected to result in such contamination until the health condition is corrected. Plant management must take all reasonable measures and precautions to ensure this.
The regulations also require that food facility managers instruct personnel to report illnesses to their supervisors.
These regulations are contained in the Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food, in Part 110.10 of Title 21 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_08/21cfr110_08.html.
For Food Retailers, Restaurants and Food Service Operations:
The FDA Food Code provides model regulations for reducing risk factors known to cause foodborne illness at retail food facilities, restaurants and other food-service operations.
Most state and local authorities have adopted Food Code provisions as regulatory requirements. In addition to several other restrictions applicable to food employees experiencing certain symptoms of illness, the Food Code stipulates that employees experiencing persistent sneezing, coughing or a runny nose that causes discharges from the eyes, nose or mouth may not work with exposed food, clean equipment, utensils, linens, or unwrapped single-service or single-use articles.
- Do any swine in the United States have the H1N1 flu virus that has infected humans?
There is no evidence at this time that swine in the United States are infected with this virus strain. - Can the H1N1 virus be transferred from humans to swine or vice versa?
USDA's National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa, is conducting tests to determine the transmissibility and severity of the H1N1 flu virus in pigs. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) through its surveillance, announced recently that it found the H1N1 flu virus in a swine herd in Alberta. The CFIA believes it is highly probable that the pigs were exposed to the virus from a Canadian who had recently returned from Mexico and had been exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Signs of illness were subsequently observed in the pigs. The individual has recovered and all of the pigs are recovering or have recovered. The pigs are in quarantine. USDA continues to monitor the U.S. swine herd and to date, this particular strain of H1N1 has not been found in U.S. swine. - Can I get this new strain of virus from eating pork or pork products?
No. According to USDA scientists, H1N1 flu is not a foodborne disease, it is a respiratory disease. USDA continues to educate the public through its food safety efforts and reminds consumers that all meat and poultry products are safe to eat when properly prepared and cooked as this kills all foodborne pathogens. More information about safe food handling is at www.befoodsafe.gov. - What steps can I take to make sure that I prepare my food properly?
USDA reminds consumers to practice safe food handling and preparation techniques for all meat and poultry. Eating properly handled and cooked meat and poultry products are safe. Information about safe food preparation and cooking is available at www.befoodsafe.gov. - What is this flu that people are talking about in the news?
It is a new strain of flu that consists of a mixture of genetic material from swine, avian and human influenza viruses. - Is USDA testing and monitoring to make sure swine are not infected with the virus and if so, how?
A network of Federal veterinarians, state animal health officials and private practitioners are regularly involved with monitoring U.S. swine for signs of significant disease.
To date, there have been no reports that the influenza virus currently causing illness in humans is circulating anywhere in the U.S. swine herd.
As a proactive measure, USDA is reaching out to all state animal health officials to affirm they have no signs of this virus type in their state.
USDA has put U.S. pork producers on a high alert for safety.
As part of a comprehensive safeguarding system, USDA's laboratories routinely provide diagnostic and research services in support of ongoing operational programs. - How will the public be notified if the government finds H1N1 flu in a U.S. herd?
Delivering factual, timely information is a priority for USDA. Should there be a detection of influenza in the U.S. swine herd, those results would be shared with the public in a timely fashion. As with all potential animal health disease situations, USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories stand ready to provide support of disease control and eradication programs, reagents for diagnostic testing, training and laboratory certification. - Can you get H1N1 flu from being around or touching swine?
The CDC says that the spread of H1N1 flu can occur in two ways:
Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with H1N1 flu virus.
Through contact with a person with H1N1 flu. Human-to-human spread of the H1N1 flu is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. - How do we ensure that we take the appropriate measures to protect our swine?
We encourage commercial pork producers to intensify the bio-security practices they've long had in place. They should not loan equipment or vehicles to or borrow them from other farms. Swine from outside sources, such as transitional herds should not be brought back to the farm. Transitional herd is the term we use to define those herds that have some likelihood of contact with feral swine. They should permit only essential workers and vehicles to enter the farm. Swine workers should disinfect their shoes, clothes and hands. They should thoroughly clean and disinfect equipment and vehicles entering and leaving the farm and avoid visiting other livestock farms without proper cleaning and disinfection. Also, they should report sick animals immediately. The industry understands the importance of preventing spread of the virus as quickly as possible to protect the industry. - Is there a vaccine for humans for this new strain?
The CDC should answer any questions about a vaccine. According to the CDC, there is no vaccine to protect humans from this new variant H1N1 flu. Go to www.cdc.gov para obtener más información. - Is my potbelly pig in danger? Can I get it from my pet?
There is no evidence at this time that the virus is in U.S. swine. Swine owners should learn the warning signs of swine influenza. Signs of swine flu in pigs can include sudden onset of fever, depression, coughing (barking), discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties, eye redness or inflammation, and going off feed. If your pig is showing any of these signs, call your veterinarian. Buy your animals from reputable sources and ensure that you have documentation of your new pet's origin. Be sure that you get your new animals checked by a veterinarian. Keep your pigs and areas around them clean. If you have been around other animals, make sure that you clean your shoes, clothing, and other items. And don't forget to wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling your pet.
- ¿Qué debo hacer para evitar contagiarme de gripe?
- ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de evitar la diseminación del virus mediante la tos o el estornudo?
- ¿Cuál es la mejor técnica para lavarme las manos y así evitar contraer la gripe?
- What kills influenza virus? What household cleaners kill the virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry. - How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste. - What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. - How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap. - Should I begin taking antiviral medications such as Tamiflu® if I'm planning a visit to another country known to have any type of flu?
No, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically states that at this time persons traveling to countries where there are cases of avian or H1N1 (swine) influenza in birds, poultry, swine, or humans do not need to take Tamiflu ® to prevent illness. If you become ill in any way while in the country, you should seek medical advice immediately. If you plan to travel to any country that has reported cases of flu among birds, swine, or humans, you should consider scheduling an appointment with your health care provider before traveling to discuss risks for potential exposure to diseases. Only you and your health care provider can determine that risk and what the most appropriate precautions are for you.
- ¿Qué debo hacer si me enfermo?
If you live in areas where people have been identified with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. - What are the warning signs of serious illness? When should I seek emergency medical care?
Si se enferma y experimenta cualquiera de las siguientes señales de advertencia, busque atención en los servicios médicos de emergencia.
En los niños, las señales de advertencia de emergencia que necesitan atención médica urgente incluyen: - Respiración acelerada o problemas para respirar
- Bluish or gray skin color
- No ingerir líquidos
- Vómitos graves o persistentes
- Dificultad para despertarse o falta de interacción
- Estado de irritación tal que el niño no quiere que lo sostengan
- Síntomas similares a los de la gripe que mejoran pero luego reaparecen con fiebre y agravamiento de la tos
- En los adultos, las señales de advertencia de emergencias que necesitan atención médica urgente incluyen:
- Dificultad para respirar o falta de aire
- Dolor o presión en el pecho o abdomen
- Mareos repentinos
- Confusión
- Vómitos graves o persistentes
- Síntomas similares a los de la gripe que mejoran pero luego reaparecen con fiebre y agravamiento de la tos
In light of the ADA’s requirements, how may employers ask employees about factors, including chronic medical conditions, that may cause them to miss work in the event of a pandemic?
An employer may survey its workforce to gather personal information needed for pandemic preparation if the employer asks broad questions that are not limited to disability-related inquiries. An inquiry would not be disability-related if it identified non-medical reasons for absence during a pandemic (e.g., mandatory school closures or curtailed public transportation) on an equal footing with medical reasons (e.g., chronic illnesses that weaken immunity). Below is a sample ADA-compliant survey that could be given to all employees before a pandemic.
ADA-Compliant Pre-Pandemic Employee Survey Directions: Answer “yes” to the whole question without specifying the reason or reasons that apply to you. Simply check “yes” or “no” at the bottom. In the event of a pandemic, would you be unable to come to work because of any of the following reasons: If schools or day-care centers were closed, you would need to care for a child;If other services were unavailable, you would need to care for other dependents; If public transport were sporadic or unavailable, you would be unable to travel to work, and/or; If you or a member of your household fall into one of the categories identified by CDC as being at high risk for serious complications from the pandemic influenza virus, you would be advised by public health authorities not to come to work (e.g., pregnant women; persons with compromised immune systems due to cancer, HIV, history of organ transplant or other medical conditions; persons less than 65 years of age with underlying chronic conditions; or persons over 65). Answer: YES __________ NO __________ - May an employer require entering employees to have a medical test post-offer to determine their exposure to the influenza virus?
Yes, in limited circumstances. The ADA permits an employer to require entering employees to undergo a medical examination after making a conditional offer of employment but before the individual starts work, if all entering employees in the same job category must undergo such an examination.
Example A: An employer in the international shipping industry implements its pandemic influenza preparedness plan when the WHO and the CDC confirm that a new influenza virus, to which people are not immune, is infecting large numbers of people in multiple countries. Because the employer gives these medical tests post-offer to all entering employees in the same job categories, the examinations are ADA-compliant. - During a pandemic, may an employer require its employees to adopt infection control practices?
Yes. Requiring infection control practices, such as regular hand washing, coughing and sneezing etiquette, and tissue usage and disposal, does not implicate the ADA. - May an employer require its employees to wear personal protective equipment (e.g., face masks, gloves, or gowns) designed to reduce the transmission of a pandemic virus?
Yes. An employer may require employees to wear personal protective equipment. However, where an employee with a disability needs a related reasonable accommodation under the ADA (e.g., non-latex gloves, or gowns designed for individuals who use wheelchairs), the employer should provide these absent undue hardship. - May an employer encourage or require employees to telework (i.e., work from an alternative location such as home) as an infection control strategy?
Yes. An employer may encourage or require employees to telework as an infection-control strategy, based on timely information from public health authorities about pandemic conditions. Telework also may be a reasonable accommodation. Of course, employers must not single out employees either to telework or to continue reporting to the workplace on a basis prohibited by any of the EEO laws.
See generally EEOC Fact Sheet on Work at Home/Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation at http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/telework.html
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