H1N1 (Swine) Flu-Healthcare Workers

How does swine flu spread?

Influenza viruses can be directly spread person-to-person mainly
through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza
virus. People can become infected by touching something with flu
viruses on it and then touching their nose or mouth.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of
regular human flu and include:
• Fever(>100 F or 38 C)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting

Employees should not come to work if they have a fever and

any of these symptoms.

I have a bit of a cold but no fever. Should I come to work?

Employees with a mild cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, who do
not have a fever, may come to work depending upon the severity of
the illness.

What should you do to keep from getting the flu?

Wash your hands frequently. Standard and Droplet Precautions should
be used for routine patient care activities for patients with suspected
or confirmed H1N1 swine flu (including all healthcare personnel who
enter the patient’s room). If a patient has copious secretions, or require
procedures that involve an increased risk of aerosolization, staff must
wear a fit-tested N95 particulate respirator, eye protection, gloves and
gown. In this case, a negative pressure room is recommended.
Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and items likely to have frequent
hand contact. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with
the flu virus. Employees who get sick at work should go home as soon
as possible. If the employee cannot go home immediately, he or she
should be separated from other employees.

My doctor told me I have H1N1. When is it okay for me to

return to work?
Employees with H1N1 should stay home for 7 days after the onset of
symptoms or 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100 degrees
Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) and/or signs of a fever (have chills,
feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). Make
sure the fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicines (any
medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). If appropriate to
your case, your doctor may choose to prescribe an anti-viral
medication.

If I need to miss work because I have H1N1, will the call off
count as an occurrence of absenteeism?
Unplanned absence from work will count as an occurrence of
absenteeism in accordance with Policy HR #5 unless you qualify for job
protected time off under the Family Medical Leave Act and your
treating physician certifies your illness as a serious health
condition.FMLA packets can be retrieved directly from your department
manager or from the Human Resources Department.

I just found out that one of the patients I took care of has
H1N1. I didn’t wear a mask. What should I do?
If you were unmasked and had close personal contact (within 3 feet of
the patient for greater than 15 minutes) or were unmasked and
involved in respiratory care associated with increased aerosolization
(i.e. suctioning, intubation etc.) you should inform your department
manager and contact Employee Health (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am –
4:30 pm). Outside of Employee Health’s normal hours of operation,
please contact your personal physician.