H1N1 virus

 

  1. What is H1N1?
  2. What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 in people?
  3. Can you catch H1N1 from eating pork?
  4. How is H1N1 spread?
  5. What precautions should I take as a restaurant operator?
  6. What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the H1N1?
  7. Where can I get the latest information regarding the H1N1?

 

1. What is H1N1?

The H1N1 virus is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking human cases of the H1N1 virus in the United States; the list of human cases now stands at about 40. More than 1,300 human cases of H1N1 virus infection also have been identified internationally.

2. What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 in people?

According to the CDC, the symptoms of H1N1 in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

3. Can you catch H1N1 from eating pork?

You cannot catch H1N1 from eating pork or pork products, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the CDC. H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills all viruses, the USDA notes.

4. How is H1N1 spread?

The spread of this 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.

The CDC has determined that the currently identified H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human but it is not known at this time how easily the virus spreads between people.

5. What precautions can I take as a restaurant operator?

  1. Maintain a healthy work environment. Ensure adequate air circulation, and post tips on how to stop the spread of germs. The CDC's Web site offers basic facts on H1N1 and general tips on avoiding the flu. Promote hand and respiratory hygiene for your employees, and ensure easy availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  2. Communicate openly and proactively with your employees. Remind employees that following good hygiene and sanitation practices in the restaurant and staying home when they are ill can help prevent transmission of many illnesses, not just influenza.
  3. Be informed about government and industry pandemic preparedness activities and plans. Preparation is key to protecting customers, staff and your business. In the case that an outbreak would ever become a pandemic situation, use information provided to you by the National Restaurant Association and other industry resources, be familiar with your state and local pandemic plans and maintain contact with the appropriate officials. Monitor news and developments coming from the federal government on pandemic preparedness such as PandemicFlu.gov and the CDC's H1N1 resource. PandemicFlu.gov has a section to help businesses prepare for a pandemic.

 

6. What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the H1N1?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for up 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.

7. Where can I get the latest information regarding the H1N1 virus?

The CDC and Department of Health and Human Services have the latest information regarding the H1N1 virus. You can sign up for mobile alerts from the CDC to get new information as it's released.