H1N1 & Seasonal Flu: Introduction

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Resources

American Nurses Association
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
WA State Department of Health
CDC Interim Guidance on Infection Control Measures for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Healthcare Settings, Including Protection of Healthcare Personnel
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
guidelines_infection_control.htm#A
Questions and Answers Regarding Respiratory Protection For Preventing 2009 H1N1 Influenza Among Healthcare Personnel
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
guidelines_infection_control_qa.htm

Registered nurses are on the frontlines of our health care system and will play a critical role in preventing and treating the spread of both seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu.

Nurses spend a lot of time with patients who are sick and at increased risk for severe disease complications. When you get the flu, you expose your family, patients and coworkers to infection. WSNA is committed to advocating for the health of nurses and the patients that they serve. We strongly recommend that all nurses be vaccinated against the influenza and H1N1 viruses.

Protect yourself, your patients, and your family by getting your vaccinations, staying informed, and following safety measures.

News & Updates

2/9/2010:

New OSHA videos provide proper respirator fit and use guidance

OSHA has produced two new videos that feature training and guidance on respirator safety. The "Respirator Safety" video shows healthcare workers how to correctly put on and take off respirators, such as N95s.
http://www.youtube.com/usdepartmentoflabor#p/u/4/Tzpz5fko-fg

The "Difference between Respirators and Surgical Masks" video explains the particular uses for each one and how they prevent worker exposure to infectious diseases. Viewers can watch both English and Spanish versions by visiting the Department of Labor's YouTube site. http://www.youtube.com/usdepartmentoflabor#p/u/5/ovSLAuY8ib8

12/4/2009:

Updated: Official Board Position on Influenza

11/17/2009:

An important message from Judy Huntington, MN, RN, WSNA Executive Director, on some of the activities that WSNA has been engaged in to help support you – the registered nurse -- as you care for your patients with suspected or diagnosed H1N1.
Also available online is a list of useful links to additional online resources as well as the H1N1 Frequently Asked Questions developed by WSNA.

H1N1 survey:

Are you caring for suspected and diagnosed H1N1 patients on your unit?
Do you have access to N95 respirators when caring for H1N1 patients?
Have you been sick with the flu as a result of caring for suspected and diagnosed H1N1 patients?

Click here to take our quick 1 minute survey and let us know how H1N1 and seasonal flu are affecting you and your practice. We need to know so we can advocate on your behalf.

Protect Yourself as a Health Care Provider

Hand Hygiene

The single most effective way to prevent the spread of disease! Nurses should be sure they, their colleagues, their patients, family and friends wash their hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Covering Cough or Sneeze

Use a tissue to cover a cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of infectious droplets.

If You Have Sign / Symptoms of Flu

Stay home if you are ill.

Obtain Vaccine for Seasonal and H1N1 Flu

Public health officials recommend that everyone who is eligible to receive the seasonal flu vaccine should get it every year. If you are eligible to receive H1N1 flu vaccine when it is available, you should get that vaccine as well. You may be able to receive both vaccines at the same time, though the seasonal flu vaccine will be available sooner than the H1N1 vaccine.

Social Distancing

Ill persons should stay home and not attend work, school, church, or other social events where they will have close contact with others. If social interaction is unavoidable, ill persons should maintain at a distance of 3 feet and consider wearing a surgical mask.

Other Considerations

Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose or Mouth

Germs are spread this way.

Laundry

Wash a sick person's laundry in hot water and dry it on high. Wear gloves or wash your hands after touching laundry.

(Download this information in printable PDF format.)