August 2009

Pandemic Influenza Alert

Hung Cheung, MD, MPH, FACOEM                          

Sherry Sood, MD, MPH                                                          

Dr. Cheung/ OEM Advisor, LLC.

(888) 361-8882

panflu@drcheung-oemadvisor.com

We have received many calls over the last several weeks concerning the upcoming flu season and more specifically H1N1. There appears to be much confusion as well as concern about this issue. Our team has put together the attached H1N1 educational alert to help clarify the current understanding and why public health officials are concerned. Please feel free to call or email us with any questions or forward the attachment to those who may have questions about H1N1. We will monitor the situation and will have periodic updates for you. They will also be posted on our web site under the “In the News” tab.  We hope this helps as we strive to be your environmental, occupational and public health resource. 

The CDC has created and issued a very useful pandemic community response tool known as the Pandemic Severity Index. This tool has designated 5 categories of pandemic severity based the case fatality ratio and the projected number of deaths. Within each category, measures are recommended at the community level to prevent and reduce transmission. For example, the H1N1 pandemic is currently at category 3. If the pandemic progresses to level 4, specific social distancing practices such as teleconferencing rather than holding large meetings, key pad cleansing, quarantine at home of not only known sick individuals but also close contacts, and school closures are recommended. The CDC also issues interim guidance on respirator and facemask use, which at this time is not recommended outside of the healthcare setting. These guidelines may be adequate for your workplace or community. Consult your occupational medicine provider, a public health provider, your local hospital or local health department for more integrated, customized solutions. When indicated or alerted by health care professionals, these actions should be put in to place. Mitigation of health risk can only occur if you as leaders of your employees and/or of your community are aware and are prepared to follow and propagate these measures in a timely manner. Time delays and apathy can be costly to lives, community and your business. Conversely, ramping up the alarm too early can cause people to disregard warnings/procedures when they are truly needed.

Many governmental organizations have web site informational updates on H1N1, including the local health department, the CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO). You can also subscribe to e-mail alert provided by Dr. Cheung/ OEM Advisor, LLC, by sending an e-mail to panflu@drcheung-oemadvisor.com. Your name will automatically be added to the emailing updates on H1N1.

While we all hope that a deleterious mutation does not happen, it is wise to have a plan in place in case the virus turns aggressive and extreme public health measures become necessary.

Disclaimer: This message is for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate to your individual situation. As the science and knowledge is rapidly evolving, you should monitor the various available resources noted above to keep you updated. Please contact your occupational medicine or public health professionals to assist with a customized plan for your workplace or your community.