| H1N1 Care Of Others | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Fred H Olson (fholson cohousing.org)
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| Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:11:02 -0700 (PDT) | |
Bill W <weirwilliam [at] msn.com> is the author of the message below. It was posted by Fred, the list manager <fholson [at] cohousing.org> There was a format problem with the message. For expediency, I have included his message below after I edited it some. I'll check with Bill about getting a better copy. I think the original document came from: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/guidance_homecare.htm Fred, listserv manager, http://justcomm.org -------------------- FORWARDED MESSAGE FOLLOWS -------------------- I propose that members of FUS and other UU congregations be promptly made aware of this document (perhaps with some further editing and, of course, being adapted on the last page for each congregation) . I believe that it will help members significantly reduce the toll of the H1N1 flu as its novel virus (new in 2009) reassorts and may become more virulent, coming in several waves over the next few years. This will become even more important if the bird flu, H5N1, also reassorts in a way that it can readily be transmitted from person to person. If leaders of any congregation judge it too expensive to reproduce, then I hope it can be shortened, perhaps to one page, urging members to go the CDC website to print it for themselves from http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm Bill Weir, Chair, Committee on Emergency Preparedness, First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis _________________________________________________________________ For distributing to FUS members from our Committee on Emergency Preparedness (Ch: Bill Weir 763-568-7022) Interim Guidance for 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home September 24, 2009, from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) This document has been updated in accordance with the [1]CDC Recommendations for the Amount of Time Persons with Influenza-Like Illness Should be Away from Others . This document provides interim guidance and will be updated as needed. 2009 H1N1 flu virus infection (formerly known as swine flu) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Like seasonal flu, 2009 H1N1 flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Severe disease with pneumonia, respiratory failure and even death is possible with 2009 H1N1 flu infection. Certain groups might be more likely to develop a severe illness from 2009 H1N1 flu infection, such as pregnant women and persons with chronic medical conditions. Sometimes bacterial infections may occur at the same time as or after infection with influenza viruses and lead to pneumonias, ear infections, or sinus infections. The following information can help you provide safer care at home for sick persons during a flu outbreak or flu pandemic: How Flu Spreads [2]Photo of sick child with mother The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else's mouth or nose) before washing their hands. People with 2009 H1N1 flu who are cared for at home should: o Check with their health care provider about any special care they might need if they are pregnant or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema. o Check with their health care provider about whether they should take antiviral medications o Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick. Do not go to work or school while ill o Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone, except to seek medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) o Get plenty of rest o Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated o Cover coughs and sneezes. Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. · o Wear a facemask - if available and tolerable - when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others. This is especially important if other household members are at high risk for complications from influenza. For more information, see the [3]Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use · o Be watchful for emergency warning signs that might indicate you need to seek medical attention: has difficulty breathing or chest pain, has purple or blue discoloration of the lips, is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down, has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry, has seizures (uncontrolled convulsions), or is less responsive than normal or becomes confused. Medications to Help Lessen Symptoms of the Flu Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for correct, safe use of medications Antiviral medications can sometimes help lessen influenza symptoms, but require a prescription. Most people do not need these antiviral drugs to fully recover from the flu. However, persons at higher risk for severe flu complications, or those with severe flu illness who require hospitalization, might benefit from antiviral medications. Antiviral medications are available for persons 1 year of age and older. Ask your health care provider whether you need antiviral medication. Influenza infections can lead to or occur with bacterial infections. Therefore, some people will also need to take antibiotics. More severe or prolonged illness or illness that seems to get better, but then gets worse again may be an indication that a person has a bacterial infection. Check with your health care provider if you have concerns. Warning! Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome. For more information about Reye's syndrome, visit the [4]National Institute of Health website External Web Site Icon-[5][cid:image002.gif@01CA3FC7.002D6FE0] [6]External Web Site Policy.-[7][cid:image003.gif@01CA3FC7.002D6FE0] . * Check ingredient labels on over-the-counter cold and flu medications to see if they contain aspirin. * Children 5 years of age and older and teenagers with the flu can take medicines without aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), to relieve symptoms. * Children younger than 4 years of age should NOT be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a health care provider. * The safest care for flu symptoms in children younger than 2 years of age is using a cool-mist humidifier and a suction bulb to help clear away mucus. * Fevers and aches can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Examples of these kinds of medications include: Generic Name Brand Name(s) Acetaminophen Tylenol® Ibuprofen Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin® Naproxen Aleve * Over-the-counter cold and flu medications used according to the package instructions may help lessen some symptoms such as cough and congestion. Importantly, these medications will not lessen how infectious a person is. * Check the ingredients on the package label to see if the medication already contains acetaminophen or ibuprofen before taking additional doses of these medications--don't double dose! Patients with kidney disease or stomach problems should check with their health care provider before taking any NSAIDS. Check with your health care provider or pharmacist if you are taking other over-the-counter or prescription medications not related to the flu. For more information on products for treating flu symptoms, see http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/default.htm Steps to Lessen the Spread of Flu in the Home When providing care to a household member who is sick with influenza, the most important ways to protect yourself and others who are not sick are to: * [8]Photo of child washing hands keep the sick person away from other people as much as possible (see "placement of the sick person") especially others who are at high risk for complications from influenza * remind the sick person to cover their coughs, and clean their hands with soap and water often. If soap and water are not available, they should use an alcohol-based hand rub[9]*, especially after coughing and/or sneezing * have everyone in the household clean their hands often, using soap and water (or an alcohol-based hand rub[10]*, if soap and water are not available). Children may need reminders or help keeping their hands clean * ask your health care provider if household contacts of the sick person--particularly those contacts who may be pregnant or have chronic health conditions--should take antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) to prevent the flu * If you are in a [11]high risk group for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. If close contact with a sick individual is unavoidable, consider wearing a facemask or respirator, if available and tolerable. Infants should not be cared for by sick family members. For more information, see the [12]Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use Placement of the sick person * Keep the sick person in a room separate from the common areas of the house. (For example, a spare bedroom with its own bathroom, if that's possible.) Keep the sickroom door closed. * Unless necessary for medical care or other necessities, people who are sick with an influenza-like-illness should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel, for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). This is to keep from making others sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. * If persons with the flu need to leave the home (for example, for medical care), they should [13]wear a facemask, if available and tolerable, and cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing * Have the sick person wear a facemask - if available and tolerable - if they need to be in a common area of the house near other persons. * If possible, sick persons should use a separate bathroom. This bathroom should be cleaned daily with household disinfectant (see below). Protect other persons in the home * The sick person should not have visitors other than caregivers. A phone call is safer than a visit. * If possible, have only one adult in the home take care of the sick person. [14]People at increased risk of severe illness from flu should not be the designated caretaker, if possible. * If you are in a high risk group for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. If close contact with a sick individual is unavoidable, consider wearing a face mask or respirator, if available and tolerable. For more information, see the [15]Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use. * Avoid having pregnant women care for the sick person. (Pregnant women are at increased risk of influenza-related complications and immunity can be suppressed during pregnancy). * Avoid having sick family members care for infants and [16]other groups at high risk for complications of influenza. * All persons in the household should clean their hands with soap and water frequently, including after every contact with the sick person or the person's room or bathroom. * Use paper towels for drying hands after hand washing or dedicate cloth towels to each person in the household. For example, have different colored towels for each person. * If soap and water are not available, persons should use an alcohol-based hand rub.[17]* * If possible, consideration should be given to maintaining good ventilation in shared household areas (e.g., keeping windows open in restrooms, kitchen, bathroom, etc.). * Antiviral medications can be used to prevent the flu, so check with your health care provider to see if some persons in the home should use antiviral medications. If you are the caregiver * Avoid being face-to-face with the sick person. * When holding small children who are sick, place their chin on your shoulder so that they will not cough in your face. * Clean your hands with soap and water after you touch the sick person or handle used tissues, or laundry. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub[18]* * Talk to your health care provider about taking antiviral medication to prevent the caregiver from getting the flu. * If you are at high risk of influenza associated complications, you should not be the designated caretaker, if possible. * If you are in a high risk group for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. Designate a person who is not at high risk of flu associated complications as the primary caretaker of household members who are sick with influenza, if at all possible. If close contact with a sick individual is unavoidable, consider wearing a facemask or respirator, if available and tolerable. For more information, see the [19]Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use * Monitor yourself and household members for flu symptoms and contact a telephone hotline or health care provider if symptoms occur. Using Facemasks or Respirators * [20]Photo of person wearing facemask Avoid close contact (less than about 6 feet away) with the sick person as much as possible. * If you must have close contact with the sick person (for example, hold a sick infant), spend the least amount of time possible in close contact and try to wear a facemask (for example, surgical mask) or N95 disposable respirator. * An N95 respirator that fits snugly on your face can filter out small particles that can be inhaled around the edges of a facemask, but compared with a facemask it is harder to breathe through an N95 mask for long periods of time. More information on facemasks and respirators can be found at [21]H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) website. * Facemasks and respirators may be purchased at a pharmacy, building supply or hardware store. * Wear an N95 respirator if you help a sick person with respiratory treatments using a nebulizer or inhaler, as directed by their doctor. Respiratory treatments should be performed in a separate room away from common areas of the house when at all possible. * Used facemasks and N95 respirators should be taken off and placed immediately in the regular trash so they don't touch anything else. * Avoid re-using disposable facemasks and N95 respirators, if possible. If a reusable fabric facemask is used, it should be laundered with normal laundry detergent and tumble-dried in a hot dryer. * After you take off a facemask or N95 respirator, clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. * For more information, see the [22]Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use Household Cleaning, Laundry, and Waste Disposal * [23]Photo of person cleaning glass surface Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste. * Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. * Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. * Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid "hugging" laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself. Clean your hands with soap and water right after handling dirty laundry. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.[24]* * Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap. For More Information The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hotline (1-800-CDC-INFO) is available in English and Spanish, 24 hrs/day 7 days/week. Updates at [25]http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htwinnipegm This comes from the Committee for Emergency Preparedness of the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis. For members of FUS we add: If you (or someone you are caring for) has flu-like symptoms, please notify our office at 612-377-6608 or [26]info [at] firstunitariansociety.org indicating which hospital, if needed later, you would be going to. Also, because most people exposed to H1N1 virus can infect others for 24-to-48 hours before first symptoms, please let us know of other FUS members you have been with, so that we can check on their wellbeing. Please let us know if our ministers or Caring Circles' trained volunteers can help you. Contagiousness continues until at least 24 hours after there are no symptoms including fever without fever-reducing medicine. We hope you can be with us again soon. References 1. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/exclusion.htm 2. cid:image001.jpg@01CA3FC7.002D6FE0 3. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm 4. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reyes_syndrome/reyes_syndrome.htm 5. cid:image002.gif@01CA3FC7.002D6FE0 6. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm#linkPolicy#linkPolicy 7. cid:image003.gif@01CA3FC7.002D6FE0 8. cid:image004.jpg@01CA3FC7.002D6FE0 9. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm#antibacterial 10. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm#antibacterial 11. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm 12. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm 13. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm 14. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm 15. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm 16. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm 17. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm#antibacterial 18. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm#antibacterial 19. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm 20. cid:image005.jpg@01CA3FC7.002D6FE0 21. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ 22. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm 23. cid:image006.jpg@01CA3FC7.002D6FE0 24. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm#antibacterial 25. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htwinnipegm 26. mailto:info [at] firstunitariansociety.org
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