Swine Flu Prevention at Ranken Jordan
By Lynn Meyer, Infection Control Coordinator
Recently we all have been bombarded with stories about the Swine Flu. With information continuously changing, I want to share with you some of my thoughts.
I believe our employees and patients need to know about prevention strategies that are simple and effective.
I am not concerned that a patient will bring the Swine Flu into our building; while unlikely, it is possible that a patient or visitor could introduce it into our setting.
Prevention Strategies at Ranken Jordan
Just to be extra careful, here are some simple prevention strategies:
I asked that 2 signs be posted at the front desk. One is the “Cover Your Cough” sign and the other is a hand washing sign. We already have the alcohol gel at the reception desk and requested tissues and a box of masks also. We do not want people coming into the building sick. If they must come and have cough or cold symptoms, we want them to cover their cough or wear a mask to protect everyone else.
Like our visitors, I am asking staff who exhibit any of the mentioned symptoms to not come to work. If someone develops Swine Flu they will be off work for a minimum of 7 days and can only return when their doctor releases them.
Symptoms of Swine Flu
The signs and symptoms which indicate Swine Flu include:
- Temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Severe headache
- Body aches
- Tiredness
- And possibly nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Along with these symptoms there are 2 key principles:
- Recent travel to Mexico
- Contact with someone who has Swine Flu
Hand hygiene is a part of our normal practice as employees at Ranken Jordan. This virus can spread by direct contact with secretions (within 6 feet of someone with the virus) or contact with surfaces contaminated with a respiratory secretions (e.g., cough, sneeze). Every time you touch something, hand hygiene is extremely important. I am asking facilities to perform disinfection more frequently on the high touch surfaces (e.g., rails, door knobs). The routine disinfectants we use are sufficient to kill the virus.
Prevention at Home
The CDC is giving a lot of good information about how to protect yourself and your family. The same principles discussed above apply to families at home. Avoiding crowds is one simple way of preventing exposure. Remember that this, like any other infectious disease, can occur because people are contagious before they exhibit symptoms.
Avoiding contact with large groups of people can prevent exposure. If this progresses, we might see cancellation of public functions as a method of decreasing transmission.
I will try to keep you updated as information becomes clearer. At present, don't panic. From what I can determine, the cases identified in the U.S. are all related to travel in Mexico or contact with someone who has been diagnosed with Swine Flu (i.e., siblings of school children in New York who got Swine Flu on their spring break trip to Mexico).
As always wash your hands, don't let people cough in your face, and stay healthy.
Lynn Meyer, Infection Control Coordinator at Ranken Jordan
Related links