Pandemic%20Influenza

1
Pandemic Influenza
2
Objectives

• To provide information on
• Influenza vs swine influenza
• Basic infection prevention and control
• Understand how you can assist with
• Encouraging infection control
• Allaying Staff and Student concerns
• Helping those who may be ill
• Supporting for your HoDs (and vice versa)
• Keeping yourself safe

3
Pandemic Management
Crisis Management Team
CMT (Support)
Specialist Advisors
Health Safety Network
4
Seasonal Pandemic
Usually some immunity built up from previous exposure No previous exposure little or no pre-existing immunity
Health systems can usually meet public and patient needs Health systems may be overwhelmed
Vaccine developed based on known flu strains and available for annual flu season Vaccine probably would not be available in the early stages of a pandemic
Generally causes modest impact on society (e.g., some school closing, encouragement of people who are sick to stay home) May cause major impact on society (e.g. widespread restrictions on travel, closings of schools and businesses, cancellation of large public gatherings)
5
Seasonal Pandemic
Outbreaks occur annually, usually in winter, in temperate climates Occurs rarely (three times in 20th century - last in 1968)
Healthy adults usually not at risk for serious complications the very young, the elderly and those with certain underlying health conditions at increased risk for serious complications Healthy people may be at increased risk for serious complications
Symptoms fever, cough, runny nose, muscle pain. Deaths often caused by complications, such as pneumonia. Symptoms may be more severe and complications more frequent
Manageable impact on domestic and world economy Potential for severe impact on domestic and world economy
6
Seasonal Influenza

• Caused by a virus
• Most common in winter
• Easily passed from person to person
• More serious than the common cold
• Symptoms may last for up to 10 days

7
Swine (H1N1) Influenza

• Little or no human immunity
• Increased numbers /populations affected
• More serious symptoms
• Higher mortality
• Scope and rapid spread will stretch existing
  healthcare resources
• Economic and social disruption
• Currently no vaccine

8
Symptoms of Swine Flu

• May include
• Fever, chills
• Muscle pains
• Headache
• Cough, sore throat, runny nose
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting or diahorrea (40 of confirmed
  cases)

9
Infection Prevention and Control

• How is influenza spread?
• Droplets from coughs and sneezes
• Hand to hand,
• Mouth to mouth
• On surfaces such as door handles and used tissues
• Swine flu - can remain on surfaces for minutes or
  up to 8 hours

10
Infection Control Wash and Dry Hands

• Before preparing food and eating
• After coughing, sneezing or blowing nose
• After using the toilet
• Often when looking after sick people

11
Infection Control

• Wash and dry hands properly
• Wash hands for at least 20 seconds
• Dry hands thoroughly
• Keep coughs and sneezes covered
• Put tissues straight into the rubbish bin
• Social distancing
• stay at least a metre away from sick people
• Keep areas ventilated

12
How You Can Help - Encourage Infection Control

• Look after yourself!
• Challenge others
• I trust you intend to wash your hands
• Could you cover your cough please
• Should you be at work with a cough like
• I would happier if you stayed at home until.
• Be assured - it is okay to give feedback to
  protect your health
• Offer to assist / educate staff
• (or get someone else to)
• Additional posters
• Discussions

13
Allay Staff and Student Concerns

• An emotionally-charged employee may be a safety
  hazard
• Use active listening, reflect concerns
• Get assistance for key staff to work
• from home
• Work with your HOD

14
Allay Staff and Student Concerns

• Steer them to the facts
• Professional advice
• Public Health Healthline 0800 611 116
• Regional Health and Safety Advisor
• Own GP or Doctor
• Massey position considers
• Clinical risk (what does MoH recommend?)
• Comparative risk (other organisations may respond
  differently to Massey)

15
Help those who may be ill

• If someone has been coughing and is ill
• Isolate
• Check their welfare
• Strongly encourage them to recover at home
• Arrange clean of common items (eg keyboard,
  shared desk) including public areas
• RFM - routine clean (let them know which area)
• RFM - special clean for campuses with work time
  services
• Arrange own supplies for at risk areas
• E.g. reception counter, waiting areas, exam
  rooms, libraries
• Log ill cases via Health Safety Advisor or as
  notified

16
Keep Yourself Safe

• Follow the basic infection control principles to
  prevent the spread of influenza (ie, hand
  hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, social
  distance).
• Mask and gloves are only if you need to be closer
  than a metre when caring for a sick person.
• During cleaning
• Dispose of cleaning materials to rubbish.
• Wash hands afterwards

17
If You Become Ill

• Arrange a colleague to cover
• After the worst of it
• Phone messages
• Email
• Web accesses
• VPN

18
Work with your HoD

• Perhaps you can
• Coordinate After-hours contacts details
• Facilitate remote working
• Define critical services
• Reinforce hygiene messages
• Assist others to plan for public /staff
  interactions

19
Work with your HoD

• Perhaps your HOD can
• Reinforce the importance of your role with staff
• Prompt discussions on contingencies
• have you considered how to manage this function
  with 1/3rd of our staff?
• Assist with resourcing for you

20
Resources That May Help
21
Resources That May Help (cont)
22
Resources That May Help(cont)
23
Resources That May Help(cont)
24
Resources That May Help
25
Resources That May Help (cont)
26
Questions

• Thank you for your support of health and safety!