swine flu facts-v2

8/14/2019 Swine Flu Facts-V2

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Swine Flu Virus Facts

The Swine Flu Pandemic is becoming a major problem allover the world. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) isalready showing 77 countries affected with the influenza A(H1N1) virus as of November 5, 2009. Some good and bad

information has been published about the H1N1 influenzavirus including tips on prevention and controlling theoutbreaks once they occur. We have decided to do someresearch on these facts and myths about the H1N1 Swine FluVirus. We want to provide you with the best and most factual

information available to keep you and your family as safe andhealthy as possible.



FACT:

Using a medical face mask is unlikely to be effective

against airborne transmissions of Influenza viruses.The fit of these medical face masks does not provide a

tight enough seal to keep out the H1N1 virus.



FACT:

Hand sanitizers will not completely eliminate your

exposure to the H1N1 Swine flu virus. They are not

effective once the product evaporates off of your hands.

Also, hand sanitizers are made to work when your hands

are completely clean and not soiled.



FACT:

Bacteria and viruses can develop a resistance to anti-bacterial soaps and hand wipes. Also, anti-bacterial

soaps are not effective against viruses like Influenza A.



Antibacterial soaps are useless against the influenza virus. Regular hand washing, however, is a

simple and effective way to reduce the transmission of contagious diseases, including the flu.University of Utah. (2007). Cold, Flu and Sore Throat. Retrieved November 3, 2009, from

http://www.sa.utah.edu/ohp/top/ColdFluorSoreThroat.htm

Regular soaps are adequate in the home to remove most germs that cause illness.

Antibacterial soaps contain only small levels of antibacterial agents. In fact, the most common

household illnesses are viral in nature, to which antibacterial agents are ineffective. There is

little evidence to suggest that these agents reduce infections in the home.

City of Ottawa, CA. Frequently Asked Questions about Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers. Retrieved November 3, 2009, fromhttp://www.ottawa.ca/residents/health/emergencies/pandemic/hand/faq_gel_en.html

While the SDA and CTFA may be right about the overuse of antibiotics, there has never been

any proof that antibacterial soaps prevent sickness on a consumer level any more effectively

than traditional soaps. These modified soaps have no protection against viruses, which cause

many illnesses as well.Millicent Bond - Bryn Mawr College (2001). Can We Get Too Clean?. Retrieved November 5, 2009, from

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f01/web3/bond.html



FACT:

Alcohol based hand sanitizers are classified as

hazardous materials. Even their vapors are highlyflammable.



Alcohol is flammable at the concentrations found in hand sanitizers. Alcohol hand sanitizerscontaining high concentrations of ethanol are more flammable than those containing

isopropanol or mixtures of ethanol and isopropanol. Alcohol hand sanitizers are classified as

hazardous materials and should be stored away from high temperatures or flames.University of Guelph. (January 21, 2003). Hand Sanitizer Fact Sheet. Retrieved November 3, 2009, from

http://www.foodsafety.ksu.edu/articles/533/hand_sanitizer_factsheet.pdf

ABHS are flammable and must be treated as such. Static electricity, other sparks or open

flames can ignite alcohol on hands. Users should be instructed to rub hands thoroughly until

dry (30-60 seconds).Fairfax County Public Schools (September 2009 ). Hand Hygiene and the Use of Antiseptic Towellettes and Alcohol-Based Hand

Sanitizers.Retrieved November 3, 2009, from http://www.fcps.edu/fts/safety-security/publications/seh-42.pdf

³Most hand sanitizer products contain a high volume of alcohol, which is the reason for hand

sanitizer fire hazard concerns. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are classified as Class I Flammable

Liquid substances, which means they have a flash point of less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hand sanitizer vapors can be flammable. In the event that hand sanitizer combusts, carbonmonoxide and carbon dioxide can form. Personnel involved in extinguishing hand sanitizer fires

should wear respiratory protection.Mary Gormandy White (September 2007). Hand Sanitizer Fire Hazard.Retrieved November 3, 2009, from

http://safety.lovetoknow.com/Hand_Sanitizer_Fire_Hazard



FACT:

The use of disposable latex gloves will not preventthe spread of influenza. Wearing gloves will not stop

you from getting the Influenza virus near your eyes,

nose and mouth. They are also not impervious to thevirus and can contaminate your hands.



If you provide care to a family member with influenza- wash your hands before and after

contact even if you have worn gloves during the contact. Like tissue, gloves are not impervious

to the virus and your hands are contaminated with the virus after you throw away the gloves.Division of Infectious Diseases at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (September 29, 2003). How to Prevent

Influenza?.Retrieved November 3, 2009 from http://www.siumed.edu/medicine/infectious-diseases/current_issues/flu.pdf

Improper use of gloves may actually increase transmission, while proper handwashing is very

effective prevention.University of Massachusetts ( September 16, 2009). H1N1 Influenza: UMass Prepares. Retrieved November 3, 2009 from

http://guides.library.umass.edu/h1n1

Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth, or exposed skin with contaminated hands (gloved or

ungloved); avoid touching surfaces with contaminated gloves and other PPE that are not

directly related to patient care (eg, door knobs, keys, light switches).

Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, Academic Health Center University of Minnesota (September 28, 2009).Pandemic Influenza. Retrieved November 3, 2009 from

http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/panflu/biofacts/panflu.html



FACT:

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers containing fragrances

and emollients can irritate the skin or cause allergicreactions. These ingredients can even cause asthma,

congestion or hives.



FACT:

N95 Respirators are not an effective preventative

solution against the H1N1 flu virus. You cannot

properly fit an N95 respirator to children or personswith facial hair, which can allow the virus to seep

through the cracks. It can also cause difficulty

breathing if worn for a long period of time.



But there is a lot we still don't know about these viruses, and it would be a mistake foranyone to rely on respirators alone as some sort of magic shield," added Shine, who isexecutive vice chancellor for health affairs in the University of Texas System, Austin, andformer president of the IOM.Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, Academic Health Center University of Minnesota (September 3, 2009).IOM affirms CDC guidance on N95 use in H1N1 setting. Retrieved November 4, 2009 from

http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/panflu/news/sep0309iom.html

The fit of the mask is important. It is not possible to properly fit the N95 respiractor tochildren or person with facial hair.

Ohio State University (2009). Flu Information: Influenza-Like Illness/H1N1:Home. Retrieved November 4, 2009 fromhttp://flu.osu.edu/

A respirator that fits snugly on the face can filter out virus-containing small particleaerosols that can be generated by an infected person, but compared with a facemask it is

harder to breathe through a respirator for long periods of time. Respirators are notrecommended for children or people who have facial hair.Indiana University Office of Environmental, Health and Safety Management. Facemask/respirator use. RetrievedNovember 4, 2009 from www.ehs.indiana.edu/em/respirator%20guidance.doc



FACT:

Using Skin Protectant Lotions for H1N1 protection islike wearing gloves for coating. Though good in theory,

it will not prevent the spread of the H1N1 swine flu

virus.



If you provide care to a family member with influenza- wash your hands before and after

contact even if you have worn gloves during the contact. Like tissue, gloves are not impervious

to the virus and your hands are contaminated with the virus after you throw away the gloves.Division of Infectious Diseases at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (September 29, 2003). How to Prevent

Influenza?.Retrieved November 3, 2009 from http://www.siumed.edu/medicine/infectious-diseases/current_issues/flu.pdf

Improper use of gloves may actually increase transmission, while proper handwashing is very

effective prevention.University of Massachusetts ( September 16, 2009). H1N1 Influenza: UMass Prepares. Retrieved November 3, 2009 from

http://guides.library.umass.edu/h1n1

Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth, or exposed skin with contaminated hands (gloved or

ungloved); avoid touching surfaces with contaminated gloves and other PPE that are not

directly related to patient care (eg, door knobs, keys, light switches).Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, Academic Health Center University of Minnesota (September 28, 2009).

Pandemic Influenza.R

etrieved November 3, 2009 fromhttp://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/panflu/biofacts/panflu.html



For the same reason that UVC is harmful to microorganisms, it can be harmful to humans as

well. UVC can cause skin irritation and severe eye damage. For this reason, never look at the

bulb when it is on.University of California, Berkeley. Basics of Ultraviolet Disinfection Technology. Retrieved November 4, 2009, from

http://rael.berkeley.edu/old-site/uvtube/uvdisinfection.htm

Humans, as well as other life forms, can tolerate radiation through the UVA range, but

radiation with shorter wavelengths, such as UVB and UVC is harmful.Kennesaw State University. ESA21: Environmental Science Activities for the 21st Century. Retrieved November 4, 2009, from

http://esa21.kennesaw.edu/activities/atmosphere/atms_ozone.pdf

Some equipment can generate UV-C radiation that, if used without the appropriate controls,

can result in injury with only a few seconds of exposure.Emory University (February 3, 2009). Environmental Health and Safety. Retrieved November 4, 2009, from

http://www.ehso.emory.edu/guidelines/ToolboxTraining_UVRadiationFacts_Feb09.pdf



FACT:

Bleach can be extremely harmful to humans, animals

and objects in your home if not used properly. Bleachcan be corrosive to metals and hazardous to the skin

and the respiratory system.



Sodium hypochlorite at higher concentrations (including 10% solutions) is malodorous, can

cause corrosion and pitting on equipment and other inanimate surfaces over the long term,

and may trigger respiratory difficulties, especially in the workers doing the cleaning. It is

appealing to avoid or limit the use bleach when possible.Dane N. Gerding, Carlene A. Muto and Robert C. Owens, Jr University of Chicago (2008). Measures to Control and Prevent

Clostridium difficile Infection.Retrieved November 5, 2009, fromhttp://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/521861?cookieSet=1

While bleach is often used by itself, it does not clean, is highly corrosive to metals and is

hazardous to skin, mucus membranes, and the respiratory system.Simmons Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community - Simmons College (August 2009). Cleaning To Reduce the

Risk of H1N1 Flu Virus. Retrieved November 5, 2009, fromhttp://www.simmons.edu/hygieneandhealth/cleaning_for_H1N1_final2.pdf

Use sanitizer cloths that are virucidal (not just bactericidal) and effective against Influenza A

(read the label). Do not mix disinfectant and cleaners unless the labels indicate it is safe to do

so. Combining certain products (such as chlorine bleach and ammonia clearers) can be

harmful, resulting in serious injury or death.Dr. Patricia Dudley - College of Alameda (September 28, 2009). Fight the Flu! Retrieved November 5, 2009, from

http://www.alameda.peralta.edu/Projects/20016/Fight_the_Flu_linked_web_doc.pdf

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