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Greetings,
H1N1 Flu - Swine
Flu
What is swine
flu?
Swine Influenza (swine
flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza
viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not
normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.
Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from
person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited
and not sustained beyond three
people.
How does swine flu
spread?
Spread of this swine
influenza A (H1N1) virus 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.
What can I do to
protect myself from getting
sick?
There is no vaccine
available right now to protect against swine flu. There are
everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that
cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. 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.
* Wash your
hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also
effective.
* Avoid
touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this
way.
* Try to
avoid close contact with sick
people.
* If you get
sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work
or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting
them.
What steps are AFA and
American Eagle taking in response to the H1N1 Virus (Swine
Flu)?
1. Ancillary Kits. They are teal colored
bags, and contain 75 masks, pairs of gloves, (66% alcohol)
anti-microbial wipes, and 2 bio-hazard disposal bags. The teal
bag is sealed with a liquor lock type of closure. Having 75 of
everything should be enough to cover all passengers, Infants and
the Flight Attendant(s). These kits have now been added to the
ATR fleet.
2. 60% alcohol based
hand wipes are going to be provided in the FA lounges. We should
start seeing them shortly. The CDC recommends using alcohol
based hand wipes when soap and water is not
available.
3. Crew Members flying
to Mexico will be provided with surgical masks and
gloves.
4. If a Flight
Attendant buys surgical masks and/or latex gloves and they want
to wear them during flight, the company has agreed to take no
disciplinary action.
***I would like to
emphasize that the CDC does not recommend the regular use of
masks and gloves right now. Instead, they believe normal
precautions like washing hands, using hand wipes and coughing or
sneezing into a tissue and then throwing it out are more
effective ways to prevent
infection.***
Where else can I get
more information?
www.who.int
www.cdc.gov
http://ashsd.afacwa.org/
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