H1N1 Influenza Pandemic Alert raised to Phase 6

Posted by Geri Ventura -

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the level of influenza pandemic alert to phase 6, which indicates the start of an actual pandemic. This change reflects the spread of the influenza A(H1N1) virus, not its severity. Although currently the pandemic is of moderate severity with the majority of patients experiencing mild symptoms and making a rapid and full recovery, this experience could change. It is timely to examine the legal issues surrounding this public health threat. This report provides a brief overview of selected legal issues including emergency measures, civil rights, liability issues, and employment issues.


The 2009 Influenza Pandemic: Selected Legal Issues (R40560). Washington, DC: CRS Report for Congress, June 15, 2009, 36 pages. Accessed at: http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/R40560_20090615.pdf


For more information on Influenza A (H1N1) please go to the CDC website or the World Health Organization website



General advice -


WASH YOUR HANDS!
WASH YOUR HANDS!
WASH YOUR HANDS!


It is important to remember that in the community setting the following general measures may be more important than wearing a mask in preventing the spread of influenza.


For individuals who are well:


Maintain distance of at least 1 meter from any individual with influenza-like symptoms, and:
refrain from touching mouth and nose;



  • perform hand hygiene frequently, by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol based hand rub (3) especially if touching the mouth and nose and surfaces that are potentially contaminated;

  • reduce as much as possible the time spent in close contact with people who might be ill;

  • reduce as much as possible the time spent in crowded settings;

  • improve airflow in your living space by opening windows as much as possible.


For individuals with influenza-like symptoms:



  • stay at home if you feel unwell and follow the local public health recommendations;

  • keep distance from well individuals as much as possible (at least 1 meter);

  • cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, with tissues or other suitable materials, to contain respiratory secretions. Dispose of the material immediately after use or wash it. Clean hands

  • immediately after contact with respiratory secretions!

  • improve airflow in your living space by opening windows as much as possible.


If masks are worn, proper use and disposal is essential to ensure they are potentially effective and to avoid any increase in risk of transmission associated with the incorrect use of masks.


The following information on correct use of masks derives from the practices in health-care settings (4):



  • place mask carefully to cover mouth and nose and tie securely to minimize any gaps between the face and the mask

  • while in use, avoid touching the mask- whenever you touch a used mask, for example when removing or washing, clean hands by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub

  • replace masks with a new clean, dry mask as soon as they become damp/humid

  • do not re-use single-use masks
    - discard single-use masks after each use and dispose of them immediately upon removing.


Although some alternative barriers to standard medical masks are frequently used (e.g. cloth mask, scarf, paper masks, rags tied over the nose and mouth), there is insufficient information available on their effectiveness. If such alternative barriers are used, they should only be used once or, in the case of cloth masks, should be cleaned thoroughly between each use (i.e. wash with normal household detergent at normal temperature). They should be removed immediately after caring for the ill. Hands should be washed immediately after removal of the mask.


(3) In settings where alcohol-based hand rubs are available and the safety concerns (such as fire hazards and accidental ingestion) are adequately addressed, their proper use (rubbing hands for 20-30 seconds) could be promoted as a means of disinfection.
(4) Infection prevention and control of epidemic- and pandemic-prone acute respiratory diseases in health care WHO Interim Guidelines (Jul 2007) available at http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/WHO_CD_EPR_2007_6/en/index.html

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