What Matrix is Doing to Protect You From the Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu)

Protecting the health and safety of our clients and associates is one of our core values.  Our pandemic response plan is specifically designed for this purpose. The comprehensive plan includes:

1. A detailed emergency response plan
2. Special cleaning procedures
3. Steps to build an effective response team with your janitorial service provider
4. Housekeeping considerations during an outbreak
5. How to approach cleaning and maintenance before, during, and after an outbreak

To learn more, contact Tim Bracken or Lynn Domboski.

During pandemic phase 5 or higher, Matrix is requiring that all associates advise their immediate supervisor if they, a family member, or any other person that they live with or come in contact with who has traveled to Mexico, any of the five boroughs of New York City, or any of the other affected areas on or after April 10, 2009.  

What you need to know about the Swine Flu

The following are some “tips” for limiting your risk of catching the swine flu come from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .   Also included is a list of frequently asked questions from WebMD that may help you in dealing with this issue.

CDC Tips for Limiting Risk

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
3. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
4. If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
   

WebMD Frequently Asked Questions 

Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

Clean Hands Help Prevent the Flu-Video

Clean Hands Help Prevent the Flu Spanish-Video

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 should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked

General Information about Swine Flu: Questions and answers and guidance for treatment and infection control.