On Sunday, April 26, 2009, Acting Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Charles Johnson declared a nationwide public health emergency due to confirmed of cases of Swine Influenza A (H1N1).
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that typically does not normally infect humans. However, this particular strain is a novel virus that has not been seen before in North America and is a human-to-human virus. It is important to recognize that swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food, so humans cannot get the illness from eating pork products.
For the most up-to-date information on the number of Swine Flu cases and where they are, please visit the CDC's website.
»Florida Department of Health Swine Flu Updates
»American Health Care Association H1N1 Resources
Recognizing Swine Influenza A Symptoms in Staff or Residents
The CDC provides guidance for assessing suspected cases. Does the individual have a respiratory illness with a fever that has also:
- traveled to a community within the past 7 days where confirmed cases have been documented, or
- come into close contact with a person who has a confirmed case of swine influenza A within the past 7 days, or
- resides in a community where there are one or more confirmed cases
Click here for a number of interim guidances issued by the CDC related to Swine Flu.
FHCA Member Notices on Swine Flu
- July 31, 2009: Swine Flu Talking Points
- July 29, 2009: Preparations for Massive Immunization Campaign Underway
- May 26, 2009: Signage emphasizing appropriate respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette and hand hygiene
- May 8, 2009: CMS Survey & Certification Letter 09-36 Related to H1N1 Flu (Swine-Origin Influenza A) - State Survey Agency Guidance and Survey/Affected Provider Tracking Tools
- May 6, 2009: FHCA Disaster Preparedness Committee "Swine Flu/Pandemic" Tabletop Training Exercise
- May 5, 2009: FHCA Member Alert - Swine Flu Update
- April 30, 2009: CMS Survey & Certification Issues Related to Swine Flu
- April 28, 2009: FHCA Emergency Management Guide for Nursing Homes
- April 28, 2009: FHCA Member Alert - Swine Flu Update
National Resources
»CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Program - Regulatory Authority
»California Model Respiratory Protection Program
Contains a Policy for respirator selection, training, fit testing, and proper respirator use. The N95 Respirator is recommended for direct care workers who are caring for sick persons with Swine Flu (H1N1).
»American Health Care Association's Provider magazine article: "Pandemic Preparedness, Plugging Into Community Networks.".
»OSHA Pandemic Influenza Resources and Publications