H1N1 HOLTLINE UPDATE As known, the H1N1 virus has spread worldwide, including the first confirmed cases in Japan being reported on Saturday. The CDC and World Health Organization remain vigilant on additional measures needed to manage the virus.

Protections/Precautions: With the WHO raising the alert level to Phase 5 last week does not (necessarily) relate to the severity of the virus itself but the scope of person-to-person transmission.  The procedures and precautions high- lighted in previous 'Hotlines' and 'Health Alerts' remain as important as ever. Recommended safeguards and countermeasures to help protect your health and reduce the risk of transmission can be found at:  http://ashsd.afacwa.org   or

www.nwaafa.org/safety/health/.

Reporting Requirements:   During the H1N1 threat, extra vigilance is required to identify and report passengers with flu-like symptoms.  The CDC has issued specific guidance and requested all airlines to report ill passengers with two (2) or more of the following symptoms:

(1)   feeling feverish or temperature greater than 100 degrees,

(2)   sore throat,

(3)   cough or

(4)   stuffy or runny nose.  

Suspected ill passengers should be reported to the Captain, who will contact the SOC (and they, in turn, the CDC) If an ill passenger is identified during boarding, contact a CSA supervisor to determine the next steps.  A CRO may be contacted to review whether or not a passenger with a possibly contagious illness can continue. At all times, ensure the flight deck is made aware of this possibility prior to departure and exercise good CRM skills in expressing concern relative to the passenger continuing.  In addition to taking all personal protection measures, do not forget to file an Inflight Incident Report if ill passengers have been identified, Body Fluid Exposure Report for any direct exposures, and (as required) the Occupational Injury/Illness Report as an added precaution. If you feel that you have been exposed to a passenger and/or crewmember with flu-like symptoms, request medical treatment through a company-paid medical clinic, visit a local Public Health facility or your healthcare provider, keeping the company apprised of required treatment.  Remain vigilant and stay informed! -- Submitted By Jeanne Elliot MEC Chair Air Health and Safety Committee