Kingbridge Centre

Facts on H1N1 flu virus

Pandemic influenza is defined as a new influenza virus that spreads easily between humans and affects a wide geographic area. 

H1N1 flu virus

Swine influenza viruses do not normally infect humans. From time to time, human infections do occur, resulting in the H1N1 flu virus. H1N1 flu virus is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal influenza.

Symptoms

Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and lack of appetite.

Transmission

Sometimes, humans and animals can pass strains of flu back and forth to one another through direct close contact. When a swine influenza virus does affect a human, there is also a risk that the animal influenza can mutate and then spread directly between humans.
More investigation is needed on how easily the virus spreads between people, but it is believed that it is spread the same way as regular seasonal influenza. Influenza and other respiratory infections are transmitted from person to person when germs enter the nose and/or throat.

Preventing the Spread of the H1N1 Virus

All Community Members are encouraged to take the following steps to prevent the contraction and spread of the H1N1 Influenza Virus:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer.
• Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve, not in your hand.Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose.
• Keep common surfaces and items cleaned and disinfected.
• Stay home if you’re sick and call your Health Care provider.
• If your Health Care provider confirms you do have an infectious disease, such as the H1N1 Flu Virus you are not permitted back to work until you have obtained a doctor’s note stating you are no longer infectious.

TKC has taken the following steps to inform and help to prevent the contraction and spread of the H1N1 Influenza Virus and maintain a safe and healthy work environment:

• Information is provided to Employees, Guests and Vendors on the H1N1 Influenza Virus, signs and symptoms, and what you would do if you feel you have these symptoms.
• Requesting that all Community Members monitor themselves and family members for H1N1 flu symptoms.
• Hand sanitizing stations have been placed in public areas, as well as washrooms and Community Members, Guests and Vendors are encouraged to use them.
• Encouraging good personal hygiene practices around TKC through signage, meetings and training to prevent the spreading of bacterial /germs from person to person.
• Community Member training on use of disinfectant chemicals, signs of H1N1 Influenza, and the use proper personal protection equipment.
• TKC ensures all working areas continue to be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected.Special attention will be given to high-touch areas such as hand railings, doorknobs, and telephones.