Greetings,

AFA 66 eCommunication - Monday, September 28, 2009

H1N1 Update
Reserve Roundtable
A&B Cards
_____________________________________

H1N1 Update

On September 3, 2009 AFA Council 66 was briefed by US Airways management on their Emergency Response Program for a possible H1N1 pandemic. The company advised that they have a comprehensive plan should US Airways be impacted by any substantial outbreak. Their plan includes:

 

  1. Process of co-ordination between all departments
  2. Follow CDC (Center for Disease Control) Guidelines and tracking
  3. No change in US Airways guidance documents as they presently comply with all CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. 

As airline crewmembers we are at a somewhat higher risk of coming into contact with persons who may have H1N1, the following CDC guidelines are the most effective manner to protect you:

 

  1. When washing with an alcohol-based rub, apply product to palm of one hand and rub hands together, covering all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry?When washing hands with soap and water, wet hands first with water?and rub hands together vigorously for at least 15 seconds?dry thoroughly with a disposable towel. Use towel to turn off the faucet.
     
  2. If you have cuts or open sores on your hands, you should wear gloves. Never touch your face and ALWAYS wash hands after removing gloves. If there is no potable water on your aircraft, use the alcohol based hand wipes. Please refer to your AED training on the correct way to remove gloves. The aircraft are stocked with two types of gloves in sufficient quantity and should be used. The latex gloves should be the first choice. If they are not available the food service gloves are an acceptable barrier.
     
  3. If passengers or crew cough or sneeze onboard, they should do so into their elbow or shoulder and wash hands afterwards.
     
  4. If you observe a passenger with flu-like symptoms, encourage them to wear a face mask. Face masks will be provided in the PSK. If possible, isolate them from other passengers. When you are in contact with a potentially-infected passenger, AFA-CWA recommends that you wear a face mask and gloves if available. Company policy regarding the provided face masks onboard is that they are to be given to the passengers. We urge logical judgment on this issue and always encourage you to take care of your personal health.
     
  5. If you are pregnant, you are at increased risk of influenza-related complications and your immunity can be suppressed. It is especially important for you to avoid exposure.
     
  6. Avoid close contact with people and with potentially infected surfaces.
     
  7. Encourage your pilots to turn up the air packs to “high” whenever possible. Maximizing airflow to the cabin can reduce your risk of exposure to airborne viruses.
     
  8. STAY HOME if you have flu-like symptoms, especially if you live in an area where swine flu infections have been reported. This is to protect you and to control the spread of disease. 

Regarding the “STAY HOME” recommendation. US Airways has advised that they will handle absences/availability in the current manner. If you do become sick with flu-like symptoms, go to your doctor and obtain a note. If you are contacted with any availability issues under these circumstances, CONTACT AFA IMMEDIATELY.

 

The company has advised that regular yearly flu shots, NOT H1N1 vaccine, will be available FREE beginning October 15 thru November 2, 2009. Locations and times will be posted.  Also, regular yearly flu shots are available now in the Corporate Medical Department for a $15.00 fee.

 

At the present time, there is no H1N1 flu vaccine available. The most recent CDC update is projecting around November, 2009.

 

The company advised AFA that they will not provide H1N1 flu vaccine for employees.  The AFA recommends that you see your personal physician, explain that as an airline crewmember you are at a somewhat higher risk of coming into contact with persons who may have H1N1, and request a H1N1 vaccination.

 

For more detailed information, please visit: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

 

Fly Safe and Please Stay Healthy,

 

Eva DeCastro, Retirement & Benefits Chairperson

Dorene Fredette, Air Safety, Health, and Security Chairperson


Reserve Roundtable

Send in Your A&B Cards

Just a reminder - the deadline for submitting A&B cards for the 3Q09 drawing is Wednesday, September 30th. Any coupon received or postmarked by this date will be included in the drawing held at the State of the Airline meeting and will be eligible to win either a $250, $1000 or $10,000 prize. Coupons received or postmarked after September 30th will be included in the fourth quarter drawing for 2009. Cards should be mailed to HR Programs - Attn: Above & Beyond Program, 4000 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., PHX-CHQ-HRP, Phoenix, AZ 85034.



mec@afa66.org

www.afa66.org