Swine Flu / H1N1 Virus

Take precautions now against swine flu

October 2009 - The dreaded H1N1 virus that surfaced last spring and was predicted to return this fall with a vengeance is arriving in homes, schools, businesses and workplaces near you — so prepare now!

OCSEA's magazine, the Public Employee Quarterly, is due out around Oct. 23 and features a story on the H1N1 virus' impact on state government and what union members can do.

Review April Memo from state officials
The Ohio Department of Health sent a message in April to all State of Ohio employees to advise them about Swine Flu symptoms, information, website resources, and what to do if symptoms occur.

OCSEA is working to update this toolbox page to help centralize links and more for union-represented public employees.

Read the text of the state memo below to find out what you can do to stay healthy on the job and at home.

 April 2009 Letter to State of Ohio Employees

FROM ODH:

Dear State Employee:

As you may be aware, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) recently confirmed a case of the H1N1 virus, previously referred to as swine flu, in Lorain County.

Yesterday, the World Health Organization raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5. This indicates human-to-human transmission is occurring in at least two countries in the same region of a new influenza virus to which humans have not been exposed and can cause “community-level outbreaks.”

H1N1 virus symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu in humans and include:

• fever above 100;
• sore throat;
• cough;
• stuffy nose;
• chills;
• headache and body ache;
• fatigue;
• some patients have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1.

People with symptoms should see their doctors and stay home from work or school.

Respiratory illnesses such as H1N1 virus are easily spread when infected individuals cough or sneeze around others. While ODH is doing what it can to protect the health of all Ohioans, individuals play an essential role in limiting the spread of disease. ODH advises that employees can take the following everyday actions to stay healthy:

•  Practice respiratory etiquette and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away.
  
  
• Wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  
  
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth, as this is an easy way to spread germs.
  
  
• If you are sick, stay home and try to maintain distance –at least six feet – from people who exhibit flu symptoms, such as coughing or sneezing.
  
  
• Finally, because it is unclear how pervasive this virus may become, I recommend that all state employees take time to understand the needs of their household and to make a plan that attempts to lessen the impact of a potential influenza pandemic on you and your family. Visit www.ready.gov for assistance in preparing.

ODH has established a toll-free information line to answer questions about the H1N1 virus. Ohioans can call 1-866-800-1404 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for information. Additional information is also available on the ODH and CDC Web sites at http://www.odh.ohio.gov/ and http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

See Related

Ohio Department of Health - Ohio Swine Flu Info and what you can do to stay healthy.

How to move health and safety concerns forward at your workplace

OCSEA Education Fact Sheet - How to Make a Healthy and Safe Work Environment

More Union Resources

AFSCME Health & Safety Program

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