The human swine flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional cases of confirmed swine influenza and a number of hospitalizations of swine flu patients. Internationally, the situation is more serious too, with additional countries reporting confirmed cases of swine flu. In response to the intensifying outbreak, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 4 . A Phase 4 alert is characterized by confirmed person-to-person spread of a new influenza virus able to cause “community-level” outbreaks. The increase in the alert phase indicates the likelihood of a pandemic has increased.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOU AS AN EMPLOYER?
Your employees should know to take common sense precautions while at work which are:

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

• 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 hands cleaners are also effective
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way

Try to avoid close contact with sick people

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected 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
• If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care

CDC has activated its emergency operations center to coordinate the agency’s emergency response. CDC’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this swine influenza virus. Yesterday, CDC issued a travel warning recommending that people avoid non-essential travel to Mexico. CDC continues to issue interim guidance daily on the website and through health alert network notices. CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?
Send the employee version of this newsletter to your employees. For the most up-to-date information, frequently asked questions and more, please refer to the CDC WEBSITE.

If you have any additional questions regarding the information within this eCommunication, please call Corporate Synergies at 1.866.CSG.1719 or CLICK HERE to contact us today.