Download UNIVERISTY CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT 6801 Delmar Blvd

UNIVERISTY CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
6801 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130
INFORMATION BULLETIN
To: All Personnel
Date: April 29, 2009
From: Steve Olshwanger
Chief of Fire/EMS
Subject: “Swine Flu” Information
PURPOSE: To update personnel on recent developments regarding the swine flu outbreak
and advice steps to protect personal health from possible infection.
ACTION: The purpose is to help you understand risks associated with the swine flu, how
to protect yourself and your family from risk of infection and how to care for patients with
flu-like symptoms.
The “Swine flu” is ordinarily a highly contagious acute respiratory disease that is common
among pigs. The current swine influenza virus is being described as a new subtype of
A/H1N1, not previously detected in swine or humans. Historically, human-to-human
transmission has been limited. However, the current strain that is causing illness seems to
be more efficient at human-to-human transmission. This virus is highly susceptible to
prescription anti-viral drugs.
As of this writing, most cases in the United States have been associated with mild flu-like
symptoms, but there are two possible deaths in Los Angeles and one in Texas. This is a
rapidly changing and emerging issue. Current information on transmission is available at
the US Center of Disease Control website listed below.
It is suspected that this virus is transmitted easily from person to person via droplets
(touching contaminated objects and then touching their eyes, nose, mouth) and small
particles produced when infected people cough or sneeze (usually within 6 feet of infected
person). Swine influenza is not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza by
eating pork or pork product.
Swine flu symptoms are the same as any influenza infection: fever (usually high),
headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle
aches.
If this disease escalates to a pandemic in the United States, the University City Fire
Department will implement its Pandemic Response Plan. The University City Fire
Department is in constant contact with the St. Louis County Health Department and the
Centers for Disease Control, and is continually kept informed as to the latest developments.
Take everyday preventive actions at home and on duty.

Standard precautions on all patient contacts (gloves, mask, goggles, apron). If
patient present with flu-like symptoms place a surgical mask on patient.

Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze, encourage
patients to do the same. Throw tissue away after each use.

Wash hands often with soap and water. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are also
effective when running water is not available.

If you get the flu, stay home and limit contact with family (review contagious disease
policy). In addition, seasonal flu vaccine does not provide protection against this
new strain. Again, if you become ill, see your doctor. Antiviral medication is
available by prescription, but only effective if taken with 24-48 hours of onset of
symptoms. These medications are effective against this new strain of influenza.
For more information visit the following websites:
World Health Organization’s website @ http://www.who.int/en/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/