	NEW Swine Flu Overview
	Avian Flu Overview
	Infection Control Guidelines
	The Role of PPE
	Face Masks and Respirators
	Pandemic Planning

Infection Control Guidelines

Avian Flu Clinical Overview

EN 149:2001 P1, P2, P3 respirators

Hospital Preparedness Checklist

Kimberly-Clark N-95 Respirators

Kimberly-Clark PPE Solutions

NEW N-95 Respirator Singles Individually Wrapped

Pandemic Preparedness Guide

PPE Demand Analysis Tool Sample Report

Respiratory Etiquette Poster

Respiratory Hygiene Station Solution

- Preventing the Spread

- Patient Care

- Respiratory Hygiene

- Hand Hygiene

In the event of an outbreak, health systems will most likely be overwhelmed and understaffed. It will be critical to limit nosocomial spread of the virus to protect healthcare workers, prevent the hospital from being a disease amplifier and protect non-flu patients from infection. Employing strict infection control precautions will help contain the spread of the virus in the facility.

Preventing the Spread

If the H5N1 virus mutates into a strain that's easily transmissible among humans-it could spread very rapidly. Like the seasonal human influenza, modes of transmission include inhalation of droplets created by coughing, sneezing, or speaking, or by coming in contact with droplets from surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. There is also some evidence that an avian-human hybrid virus could be spread via airborne transmission of droplet nuclei. Scientists are continuing research in this area to better understand the modes of transmission and more effectively prevent its spread.

Click here to view the complete WHO Interim Infection Control Guidelines

According to WHO Interim Infection Control Guidelines:

Confine all patients with confirmed or suspected cases

of the pandemic virus as quickly as
    possible in a private, negative pressure, airborne
    isolation room to prevent the spread of the
    disease.

Limit patient movement. If transport is
    necessary, mask the patient. All staff involved
    in the transport should be in full personal
    protective equipment.

Clean areas contacted by the patient with 70%
alcohol or disinfectant with virucidal capability.

Click here for a flowchart of when to initiate infection control precautions.

Patient Care
Incubation period: The time between human exposure and onset of illness (incubation period) is usually 3 days (range 2 to 4 days).

Symptoms: Symptoms are usually those of a typical flu with fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches being the most prominent. However, some patients have presented with eye infections, severe diarrhea, acute respiratory distress, pneumonia, encephalitis or other severe and life-threatening complications.

Anti-viral agents: Anti-viral drugs are normally used on infected patients and on individuals thought to be exposed. It is critical that the anti-viral drugs be given promptly after onset of symptoms to be effective (usually about 48 hours). This may be difficult due to the rapid progress of avian flu and the similarity of initial symptoms to those of other less harmful illnesses.

Respiratory Hygiene
Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette in Healthcare Settings The concepts of respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette involve using source control measures to prevent patients with respiratory infections from transmitting their infection to others. To prevent the transmission of all respiratory infections in healthcare settings, including seasonal influenza, the CDC recommends implementing the following infection control measures:

Post Visual Alerts for patients and visitors
Encourage Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette:
Cover nose/mouth with a tissue coughing or sneezing
When coughing, use a mask
Use disposable tissues and discard after use
Use hand hygiene after having contact with respiratory secretions
Provide Respiratory Etiquette Materials for Patients and Visitors
Offer Masks to Persons Who Are Coughing
Separate Persons with Respiratory Symptoms.
Advise Healthcare Personnel to Observe Droplet Precautions.

Click here to view CDC's Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette Guidelines

Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is perhaps the most critical element in preventing the transfer of microorganisms to the environment or to other people. Perform hand hygiene after touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and contaminated items, whether or not gloves are worn. Perform hand hygiene immediately after gloves are removed, between patient contacts, and when otherwise indicated to avoid transfer of microorganisms to other patients.