Just came in from Metro Vancouver:
April 29, 2009
Safety Advisory : Swine Flu
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
In response to the recent spread of a novel strain of swine influenza (Swine Flu), the BC Centre for Disease Control and Public Health Agencies are working hard to protect the health and safety of Canadians. There are also things each of us can do to actively participate and protect ourselves.
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of common human flu and it is thought to be transmitted in very much the same ways. The flu and other biological hazards are not new to us. Metro Vancouver has many prudent practices already in place to protect workers that will also be effective in this situation.
How to protect yourself and your co-workers:
• Wash hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water
- Use hand sanitizer where soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Keep common surfaces clean
• Follow established safe work procedures in your work area
(PPE as required)
• Cover up when you cough and sneeze – use your arm or sleeve
• Do everything you would normally do to maintain good health
- Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, eat well, exercise, etc.
What about people who are already sick?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to 7 days following illness onset. You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick (1 day before symptoms develop), as well as while you are sick. ~ US CDC in Atlanta, GA
Talk to your doctor if you experience severe flu-like symptoms and, like with any flu, stay home if you are sick.
Additional information is available through the following links:
1. Your Regional Health Authority:
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/socsec/
2. BC Centre for Disease Control:
http://www.bccdc.org/news.php?item=290
3. BC Ministry of Health Services:
http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_release ... 000936.htm
4. Public Health Agency of Canada:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte ... 04-eng.php
5. For more general Flu information:
www.fightflu.ca
6. For travel notices and advisories:
www.voyage.gc.ca