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To insure the safety of My family and yours any child in care or family member of child in care with signs or symptoms of the Swine Flu may not attend childcare until all infected parties have been cleared be a doctor and a valid doctor note has been submitted to ACW. In the event a member of ACW family becomes sick with the H1N1 ACW will close for the safety of your children and provider paid sick/vacation days will be used.
Information from CDC web site about the swine flu/H1N1.
What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?
2009 H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing
illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United
States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide,
probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
On June 11, 2009, the World
Health Organization
(WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.
Why is 2009 H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory
testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to
influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But
further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what
normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses
that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and
human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.
Are there human infections with 2009 H1N1 virus in the U.S.?
Yes. Human infections with 2009 H1N1 are ongoing in the United States. Most
people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without
requiring medical treatment.
CDC routinely works with states to collect, compile and analyze information
about influenza, and has done the same for the new H1N1 virus since the
beginning of the outbreak. This information is presented in a weekly report,
called FluView.
Is 2009 H1N1 virus contagious?
The 2009 H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.
How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur 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 – such as a surface or object – with flu
viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore
throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some
people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu,
including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe
illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this
virus.
How severe is illness associated with 2009 H1N1 flu virus?
Illness with 2009 H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people
who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment,
hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.
In seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.
Young children are also at high risk of serious complications from 2009 H1N1, just as they are from seasonal flu. And while people 65 and older are the least likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 flu, if they get sick, they are also at “high risk” of developing serious complications from their illness. See People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications for more information about who is more likely to get flu complications that result in being hospitalized and occasionally result in death.
CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to 2009 H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against 2009 H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.
How does 2009 H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its
severity and infection rates?
With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and
severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times
can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people
die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are
hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are
children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of
hospitalization occur in people older than 65.
When the 2009 H1N1 outbreak was first detected in mid-April 2009, CDC began working with states to collect, compile and analyze information regarding the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak, including the numbers of confirmed and probable cases and the ages of these people. The information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. At this time, there are relatively fewer cases and deaths reported in people 65 years and older, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this 2009 H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to
infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be
longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune
systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? Oct
8
This season, there is a seasonal
flu vaccine to protect against seasonal flu viruses and a 2009
H1N1 vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (sometimes
called “swine flu”). A flu vaccine is the first and most important step in
protecting against flu infection. For information about the 2009 H1N1
vaccines, visit H1N1
Flu Vaccination Resources. For information about seasonal influenza
vaccines, visit Preventing
Seasonal Flu With Vaccination.
There are also everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that
cause respiratory illnesses like the flu.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Other important actions that you can take are:
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through
coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC
recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone
except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be
gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
Keep away from others as much as possible. Cover your mouth and nose with a
tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
If I have a family member at home who is sick with 2009 H1N1 flu,
should I go to work?
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with 2009
H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health
every day, and take everyday precautions including covering their coughs and
sneezes and washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after
they cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, they should use an
alcohol-based hand rub.*
If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home.
Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should
call their health care provider for advice, because they might need to receive
influenza antiviral drugs. For more information please see General
Business and Workplace Guidance for the Prevention of Novel Influenza A (H1N1)
Flu in Workers.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting
the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. CDC recommends that
when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15
to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable
hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used.*
You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your
hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in
it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
For information about what to do if you get sick with flu-like symptoms this
season, see What
To Do If You Get Sick: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu. A downloadable
flyer containing this information also is available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/2009-10/pdf/what_to_do_if_you_get_sick.pdf .
What are “emergency warning signs” that should signal anyone to seek medical care urgently?
In children:
In adults:
Are there medicines to treat 2009 H1N1 infection?
Yes. There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for treating both seasonal and
2009 H1N1 called “antiviral
drugs.” These drugs can make you better faster and may also prevent
serious complications. This flu season, antiviral drugs are being used mainly
to treat people who are very sick, such as people who need to be hospitalized,
and to treat sick people who are more likely to get serious flu complications.
Your health care provider will decide whether antiviral drugs are needed to
treat your illness. Remember, most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness
and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of
seasonal flu.
What is CDC’s recommendation regarding "swine flu
parties"?
"Swine flu parties" are gatherings during which people have close
contact with a person who has 2009 H1N1 flu in order to become infected with
the virus. The intent of these parties is for a person to become infected with
what for many people has been a mild disease, in the hope of having natural
immunity 2009 H1N1 flu virus that might circulate later and cause more severe
disease.
CDC does not recommend "swine flu parties" as a way to protect against 2009 H1N1 flu in the future. While the disease seen in the current 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak has been mild for many people, it has been severe and even fatal for others. There is no way to predict with certainty what the outcome will be for an individual or, equally important, for others to whom the intentionally infected person may spread the virus.
CDC recommends that people with 2009 H1N1 flu avoid contact with others as much as possible. If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
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 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
What kills influenza 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.
*What if soap and water are not available and alcohol-based
products are not allowed in my facility? Updated
on Sept 14
If soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not
allowed, other hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol may be useful.
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.
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.
Can I get infected with 2009 H1N1 virus from eating or preparing
pork?
No. 2009 H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected with
novel HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled
and cooked pork products is safe.
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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 H1N1 virus would also be
similarly disinfected by chlorine.
Can 2009 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 2009 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.
Note: Much of the information in this document is based on studies and past experience with seasonal (human) influenza. CDC believes the information applies to 2009 H1N1 (swine) viruses as well, but studies on this virus are ongoing to learn more about its characteristics. This document will be updated as new information becomes available.
For general information about influenza in pigs (not 2009 H1N1 flu) see Background Information on Influenza in Pigs.