* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Download 3. What is swine flu?
Survey
Document related concepts
Orthohantavirus wikipedia , lookup
Hepatitis C wikipedia , lookup
Ebola virus disease wikipedia , lookup
Marburg virus disease wikipedia , lookup
Herpes simplex virus wikipedia , lookup
West Nile fever wikipedia , lookup
Hepatitis B wikipedia , lookup
Middle East respiratory syndrome wikipedia , lookup
Henipavirus wikipedia , lookup
Trichinosis wikipedia , lookup
Antiviral drug wikipedia , lookup
Transcript
RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09 SWINE FLU List of Questions List of Questions 1 1. Swine Influenza (Influenza A H1N1v) 2 2. General Health Protection Advice 2 3. What is swine flu? 3 4. Why is the UK taking such an interest in Swine Flu? 3 5. What are the symptoms of swine flu? 3 6. Can I catch it? 4 7. I think I may have the symptoms of swine flu virus - what should I do? 4 8. What should I do if I am at work/on duty and think I have swine flu? 5 9. I have become ill at home/off duty and think I have swine flu 5 10. What do I do if someone at work/on duty has been confirmed as having swine flu? 6 11. Which code on HRMS should be used for recording a sick absence for swine flu? 6 12. Will there be any change in HR policy, for example on recording and certifying sick absences due to swine flu? 7 13. I have been in very close contact with someone who is infectious and who has been confirmed as having swine flu, what should I do? 7 14. How long can the virus remain active on different surfaces? 7 15. Can the virus spread by surface to surface contact? 7 16. Where can I find advice about travelling and living abroad? 8 17. Why do we not quarantine staff returning from an affected area? 8 18. Should we close the building, office or establishment? 8 19. Will the restaurants, coffee shops and crèches on our sites close? 8 20. Will our Business Continuity plan be invoked? 8 21. Can swine flu be treated? 8 22. When is antiviral medication given? 9 23. How will I get antiviral medication if I need it? 9 24. Is there a vaccine to protect against swine flu? 9 25. What can I do to protect against infection? 9 26. Do I need to wear a face mask at work or on duty? 10 27. What is a pandemic? 10 28. What is happening elsewhere in the world? 10 29. What does pandemic Phase 6 mean? 10 Page 1 of 13 RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09 30. Does this mean the situation is more dangerous? 10 31. Is the infection becoming more severe? 11 32. Is the disease spreading rapidly? 11 33. Why are there so many cases in schools? 11 34. Who is most at risk? 11 35. Why does swine flu seem to be particularly affecting children and young adults? 12 36. What is the HPA's policy on school closures? 37. Isn't it better for my child to catch this now to develop some immunity in case this comes back more seriously? 12 38. Our school is open again – what does this mean? 12 39. What can schools and parents do to slow the spread? 12 40. I am involved in outreach, working with cadets, scouts, guides, etc., what do I need to do? 13 41. Should air conditioning systems be turned off? 1. 12 13 Swine Influenza (Influenza A H1N1v) Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by the type A flu (H1N1) virus. The latest outbreaks in countries around the world have been caused by a new version (strain) of the virus. Transmission of this new virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. The infection can be effectively treated with antiviral medication. Most reported cases in the UK have been mild and people have recovered fully after treatment. Return to List of Questions 2. General Health Protection Advice General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu virus. This includes: Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product Return to List of Questions Page 2 of 13 RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09 3. What is swine flu? Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that usually infects pigs. People do not normally get swine flu but human infection can happen. The latest outbreaks in countries around the world have been caused by a new version of the swine flu virus called influenza A/H1N1v. It was confirmed in the UK in April 2009. The most common symptoms are fever, sore throat, diarrhoea, headache, feeling generally unwell and a dry cough – in other words, symptoms very similar to seasonal influenza. Most people recover within a week, even without antiviral treatment. Although symptoms have generally proved mild, a small number of patients will develop more serious illness. Many of these people have other underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, that put them at increased risk. Return to List of Questions 4. Why is the UK taking such an interest in Swine Flu? People have some natural immunity to flu types (strains) that are in common circulation, but not to strains that circulate in other animals. Sometimes, humans and animals can pass strains of flu back and forth to one another, such as when people become ill with bird or swine flu. This usually occurs after a human has direct and close contact with animals that are ill. Mixing of human and animal flu viruses can lead to the development of new, changed viruses, such as the one that is currently circulating. Because they are new, people may have little or no immunity to them and they may have the ability to cause infection and spread quickly. Some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch Swine Flu, and will need to start taking antivirals as soon as they are confirmed with the illness. The UK is still learning more about the risk profile of the virus, but it is already known that the following people are particularly susceptible: People with: – Chronic lung disease; – Chronic heart disease; – Chronic kidney disease; – Chronic liver disease; – Chronic neurological disease; – Immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment); – Diabetes mellitus; Patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years; Pregnant women; People aged 65 years and older; Young children under five years old. Return to List of Questions 5. What are the symptoms of swine flu? The symptoms of this swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include: fever; fatigue; lack of appetite; coughing; sore throat; pain in Page 3 of 13 RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09 muscles and joints; headache and chills. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea. Return to List of Questions 6. Can I catch it? The virus is contagious and can spread between people, although it is not known how easily. Transmission of this new flu virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu: From person to person by coughing or sneezing. From touching an object such as a door handle which has virus on it from someone infected with flu recently touching it. (See: How long can the virus remain active on different surfaces? 20090723-FAQ-U.doc) There is no risk of catching the illness from eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products. Swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food. General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu virus. This includes: Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product. Return to List of Questions 7. I think I may have the symptoms of swine flu virus - what should I do? If you have symptoms and think you may have swine flu, you should first check your symptoms on www.nhs.uk, call NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. If you are still concerned, you should call your GP or Service Medical Centre, who can provide a diagnosis over the phone. You should not visit your GP surgery or your local hospital A&E department unless specifically advised. It is also important to make sure you follow the basic hygiene precautions. General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu virus. This includes: Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible; Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully; Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people; Page 4 of 13 RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09 Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product. If you do not have any symptoms you can attend work or duty as normal. Return to List of Questions 8. What should I do if I am at work/on duty and think I have swine flu? If you become ill at work or on duty, you should not carry on, as you may infect others. You should inform your line manager and then isolate yourself by going home or back to your quarters. You must observe the rules for reporting sickness. You can check your symptoms by: visiting www.nhs.uk or by calling the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513; if a member of the Armed Forces, contacting your Service Medical Centre If you still think you they have Swine Flu, then you should call your local GP or NHS Direct (England and Wales 0845 4647/ Scotland 0845 24 24 24 /NI 0800 0514 142), or Service Medical Centre for Armed Forces personnel, who will be able to provide a clinical diagnosis over the phone. If Swine Flu is confirmed, you will be given an authorisation voucher which your Flu Friend can then take to the designated local collection centre to pick up antivirals. If you are a civilian you should telephone your manager to let them know the outcome. Do not return to work until you have recovered. If you are a member of the Armed Forces you should telephone your line manager and your Service Medical Centre to ensure they are aware and can enter your illness in your medical record. Return to List of Questions 9. I have become ill at home/off duty and think I have swine flu If you become ill when you are not at work or when you are off-duty, and you have reason to think you might have swine flu (see: What are the symptoms of swine flu?), you should not attend until you have sought medical advice. You can check your symptoms by: visiting www.nhs.uk or by calling the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513; If you still think you they have Swine Flu: You should call your local GP or NHS Direct (England and Wales 0845 4647/ Scotland 0845 24 24 24 /NI 0800 0514 142) who will be able to provide a clinical diagnosis over the phone. Page 5 of 13 RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09 If you are a member of the Armed Forces you should contact your Service Medical Centre, but if you are away from your unit you may phone your nearest Service unit medical centre or use or NHS Direct (England and Wales 0845 4647/ Scotland 0845 24 24 24 /NI 0800 0514 142) as a temporary resident, who will be able to provide a clinical diagnosis over the phone. If Swine Flu is confirmed, you will be given an authorisation voucher which your Flu Friend can then take to the designated local collection centre to pick up antivirals. If you are a civilian you should telephone your manager to let them know the outcome. Do not return to work until you have recovered. If you are a member of the Armed Forces you should telephone your line manager and your Service Medical Centre to ensure they are aware and can enter your illness in your medical record. Return to List of Questions 10. What do I do if someone at work/on duty has been confirmed as having swine flu? Unless you are feeling unwell with influenza like symptoms, you should continue to attend as normal. All suspected cases who have symptoms will have been told to self-isolate at home and restrict their contact with people. During the current swine flu outbreak, the vast majority of people should go about their normal activities There is no need on risk grounds to avoid contact with people who might simply have come into contact with those having the illness, such as the parents of children at schools with a confirmed case but who are not themselves ill. Nor is it necessary on risk grounds to ask such people not to attend work, clubs, or social gatherings. If you are responsible for other people at work or duty, ensure they are familiar with the guidance on what to do if they think they have swine flu (see: What should I do if I am at work/on duty and think I have swine flu?). Report any known cases to your command or management chain. Return to List of Questions 11. Which code on HRMS should be used for recording a sick absence for swine flu? The list of codes and their descriptions for recording sick absences is published on the Defence Intranet People Services Portal under “Health, well-being, sickness and welfare”. In the absence of any special code, swine flu related sick absence should be recorded on HRMS under “DRS (Coughs, Cold, Flu, and Asthma)”. Return to List of Questions Page 6 of 13 RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09 12. Will there be any change in HR policy, for example on recording and certifying sick absences due to swine flu? Any changes to HR policies as a result of swine flu will be communicated widely and published on the Defence Intranet and the People Services or Military Channels. For example, changes for civilian personnel would be described on the Defence Intranet People Services Portal, and advice would be available from PPPA. Information will also be disseminated through the chain of command. Return to List of Questions 13. I have been in very close contact with someone who is infectious and who has been confirmed as having swine flu, what should I do? Close contact here means less than about one metre away from an infected and infectious person. There is no need to be alarmed. Unless you are feeling unwell, you should continue to attend work as normal if you have no symptoms. Return to List of Questions 14. How long can the virus remain active on different surfaces? Influenza viruses start dying off as soon as they are expelled from the body. Materials such as newspapers, post, books and banknotes are not significant routes of transmission and can be excluded from further consideration. In all cases, transmission can be most effectively controlled by good personal hygiene and hand washing and most importantly, enforcing proper sickness policies in the workplace for people showing flu like symptoms. Return to List of Questions 15. Can the virus spread by surface to surface contact? Flu viruses are made up of tiny particles that can be spread through the droplets that come out of your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. When you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth with a tissue, those droplets can spread and others will be at risk of breathing them in. If you cough or sneeze into your hand, those droplets and the germs in them are then easily spread from your hand to any hard surfaces that you touch, and they can live on those surfaces for some time. Everyday items such as door handles, computer keyboards, mobile and ordinary phones and the TV remote control are all common surfaces where flu viruses can be found. If other people touch these surfaces and then touch their faces, the germs can enter their systems and they can become infected. That’s how all cold and flu viruses, including swine flu, are passed on from person to person. Good personal hygiene is therefore very important, and in the built environment transfer is controllable through sensible conventional cleaning schedules, especially for hard surfaces in hygiene areas. Return to List of Questions Page 7 of 13 RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09 16. Where can I find advice about travelling and living abroad? The authoritative UK source of advice for travelling and living abroad is the Foreign and Commonwealth Officer at http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/ Return to List of Questions 17. Why do we not quarantine staff returning from an affected area? There is no benefit to be gained from quarantine now that there is widespread community spreading in the UK. Return to List of Questions 18. Should we close the building, office or establishment? No. There should not normally be a need to close unless the circumstances are extreme and exceptional, for example if so many people are simultaneously ill that it is unsafe or a security risk to try to keep open. Return to List of Questions 19. Will the restaurants, coffee shops and crèches on our sites close? There should not normally be a need to close unless the circumstances are extreme and exceptional, for example if so many people are simultaneously ill that it is unsafe or a security risk to try to keep open. It will also depend on the contractors' business continuity plans and their ability to staff their facility. Return to List of Questions 20. Will our Business Continuity plan be invoked? RAF Valley is well prepared and contingency plans have been put in place in conjunction with all of its major contractors. OC Spt Wg who has responsibility for Command and Control is briefed through daily returns to Air Command. Return to List of Questions 21. Can swine flu be treated? The swine flu virus can be treated with antiviral medication, which does not cure the infection, but reduces its impact and helps the body recover. It should be taken as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of the infection starting. Return to List of Questions Page 8 of 13 RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09 22. When is antiviral medication given? People who have the virus will be offered antiviral medication. Return to List of Questions 23. How will I get antiviral medication if I need it? If you have symptoms you will be assessed by telephone (See: I think I may have the symptoms of swine flu virus - what should I do? ) If Swine Flu is confirmed, the SMO will give you a military prescription, which your flu friend (someone who is well, who does not have swine flu) can take to an antiviral collection point to pick up your antivirals. For military personnel/family registered at RAF Valley Medical Centre the collection point is Valley Chemist). For personnel not registered at RAF Valley Medical Centre your collection point will be advised by your GP The Department of Health is advising that everyone establish a network of "flu friends" friends and relatives - who can help if you fall ill. They could, for example, collect medicines and food for you. Return to List of Questions 24. Is there a vaccine to protect against swine flu? Not yet, because the virus that is circulating is a new strain. However, a vaccine is already being developed to immunise people against swine flu. The government has said that it expects the first batches of vaccines to arrive in August, with around 60 million doses available by the end of the year - enough for 30 million people - with more following after that. Return to List of Questions 25. What can I do to protect against infection? General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu. This includes: Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible; Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully; Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people; Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product; Making sure your children follow this advice. Return to List of Questions Page 9 of 13 RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09 26. Do I need to wear a face mask at work or on duty? No. There is no need to wear to facemask at work or on duty, unless you are a healthcare or social care worker work in very close quarters with people who are ill. An explanation of the guidance given at Source: Ref B for Defence is at Facemasks and Swine Flu Return to List of Questions 27. What is a pandemic? A pandemic is a sudden outbreak of an infectious disease, such as flu, that spreads quickly affecting vast numbers of people in different countries across the world. When new flu viruses are introduced into the environment, humans do not have any natural immunity to protect against them. Therefore, there is a risk that new flu viruses could cause a pandemic if the virus passes easily from person to person. Return to List of Questions 28. What is happening elsewhere in the world? A number of countries around the world have confirmed cases of swine flu. The World Health Organization (WHO) is coordinating the global response to the human infection, working with authorities in affected countries. Return to List of Questions 29. What does pandemic Phase 6 mean? The World Health Organization (WHO) uses a series of six phases of pandemic alert to inform the world of the seriousness of the threat and the need to launch progressively more intense preparedness activities. WHO raised its pandemic alert level to Phase 6. Phase 5 was used to describe the situation where there is spread of the virus from person to person into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not necessarily have been affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 was a strong signal that a pandemic was imminent and that the time to finalise the organisation, communication and implementation of the planned measures was short. Phase 6 is used to describe a pandemic situation where there are outbreaks of infection in communities in at least one other country in a different WHO region in addition to that stated in Phase 5. The declaration of Phase 6 shows that a global pandemic is under way. Return to List of Questions 30. Does this mean the situation is more dangerous? The move to Phase 6 should not be a cause for concern. WHO's decision to declare a pandemic is based on what is happening globally with swine flu and does not suggest a sudden shift in the UK situation. Advice to the public and healthcare staff remains unchanged. Page 10 of 13 RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09 Around the world we are seeing an increase in cases and the same can be said for the UK. We may well see further rises but it remains difficult to predict what will happen over the next few weeks. Flu activity usually reduces at this time of year, and this normal seasonal pattern may take over at any time. Return to List of Questions 31. Is the infection becoming more severe? The move to Phase 6 does not mean the infection is becoming more severe. It reflects the level of spread of the infection, not a change in its severity. There is good evidence here in the UK that for most people so far the disease has been generally mild although it is proving severe in a small minority of cases. The small number of cases that have been affected more severely is to be expected and acts as a reminder that even with seasonal flu people can become very unwell - even healthy people but particularly among those in at risk groups or with underlying medical conditions. Return to List of Questions 32. Is the disease spreading rapidly? Swine flu is spreading fast in the UK with several hundred new cases being confirmed daily and we are seeing a number of clusters around the country where the disease is spreading within the community. It has been clear for some time that numbers of cases have been rising. This comes as no surprise and is something we have always expected to see. Scientists expect to see rapid rises in the number of cases. We have always known it would be impossible to contain the virus indefinitely, so now the UK is in 'treatment phase' responding to this pandemic by treating the increasing numbers affected by swine flu. Return to List of Questions 33. Why are there so many cases in schools? Much of the spread that we have seen so far has happened in schools. We know that children are especially vulnerable to infections and can receive greater exposure than adults due to a number of factors including their mixing patterns at school and lack of understanding about good infection control and the importance of respiratory and hand hygiene. Return to List of Questions 34. Who is most at risk? Those at higher risk include those with chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, under-fives, over 65s and pregnant women. Although this disease is generally mild in most people so far, it is proving severe in a small minority of cases. Page 11 of 13 RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09 It is important that anyone belonging to a high-risk group starts taking antivirals as soon as possible if they are diagnosed with swine flu. Return to List of Questions 35. Why does swine flu seem to be particularly affecting children and young adults? Children are proving to be highly efficient carriers of the swine flu (H1N1) virus and schools provide the perfect environment for it to spread. Return to List of Questions 36. What is the HPA's policy on school closures? Because swine flu is now circulating within the community, closing a school would not help to slow the spread of the virus as people could still be exposed outside the school. However, if there are special circumstances - for example, a school with children who are particularly vulnerable to infection - then school closures might still be recommended in that situation. Return to List of Questions 37. Isn't it better for my child to catch this now to develop some immunity in case this comes back more seriously? There is good evidence that in the majority of swine flu patients the disease is generally mild, but it is also proving severe in a small minority of cases. It is preferable to avoid exposure to the virus if possible, which also helps to protect high-risk groups from unnecessary risk. However, children should not be kept off school if they are well and their school is open. Return to List of Questions 38. Our school is open again – what does this mean? If your school has reopened, it means that any confirmed cases are not considered to pose a risk of further spread to other pupils, or that the virus is already circulating within your community and keeping the school closed would not help to slow the spread of the virus as people could still be exposed outside the school. Return to List of Questions 39. What can schools and parents do to slow the spread? Everyone can play their part by practising good hygiene: Washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus from your hands to face or to other people; Page 12 of 13 RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09 Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product; Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible; Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully; Making sure children follow this advice. If you think you may have swine flu, you should first go online and check your symptoms on www.nhs.uk, call NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. If you are still concerned, you should call your GP, who can provide a diagnosis over the phone. Return to List of Questions 40. I am involved in outreach, working with cadets, scouts, guides, etc., what do I need to do? Each organisation is responsible for managing its duty of care, and will be able to advise anyone working with them, for them or involved in their activities. Reserve Forces and Cadets Division (formerly Director Reserve Forces and Cadets) is the authority for MOD sponsored cadet organisations: the CCF, SCC, ACF and ATC and sponsors JSP 814, Policy and Regulations for MOD Sponsored Cadet Organisations. Return to List of Questions 41. Should air conditioning systems be turned off? No. Aerosols, essentially fine sprays of droplets, are generated when you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth with a tissue, those droplets can spread and others will be at risk of breathing them in. but the sneeze or cough generated droplets are heavier than air, and rapidly fall within about a metre of leaving the body. The swine flu virus is not circulated in air conditioning If you cough or sneeze into your hand, those droplets and the germs in them are then easily spread from your hand to any hard surfaces that you touch, and they can live on those surfaces for some time. Everyday items such as door handles, computer keyboards, mobile and ordinary phones and the TV remote control are all common surfaces where flu viruses can be found. If other people touch these surfaces soon after you and then touch their faces, the germs can enter their systems and they can become infected. That’s how all cold and flu viruses, including swine flu, are passed on from person to person. Hence the importance of general hygiene including using tissues and washing hands (See: I think I may have the symptoms of swine flu virus - what should I do? and How long can the virus remain active on different surfaces?). Return to List of Questions Page 13 of 13