By Jim Love
The good news about the H1N1 vaccination program is that health care providers are a priority group for vaccination. The bad news is that delivery of the vaccine is delayed, as Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano outlined at Fire-Rescue International. It simply can not be manufactured fast enough. A second concern is that the vaccine will not be tested, or not to the degree the FDA would normally require.
The H1N1 flu is not to be confused with this year’s ‘normal’ influenza variant and outbreak. They are different and distinct. Proper protection consists of vaccination for the ‘regular’ flu as well as vaccination against the H1N1 once the vaccine becomes available. Vaccination for the normal flu should begin this month.
While filter type masks are not considered necessary for day-to-day living, masks are recommended for those with, or with symptoms, of H1N1. Flu symptoms include fever plus at least cough or sore throat and possibly other symptoms like runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.
Hand washing is still a critical and often overlooked step to prevent any cross infection. Employees developing these symptoms are encouraged to stay home.
Companies and departments must have an operational plan in place that includes:
• Vaccination programs for both H1N1 and the normal flu
• Adequate supplies including masks and waterless hand cleaners
• Call out policy in place
• Education program to recognize symptoms and to minimize risk and cross infection
• Contingency staffing plans. Some estimates predict 50 percent infection rate.
For more information go to CDC.gov or the new FLU.gov. The time to act and plan is NOW.
Jim Love began his EMS career in 1974. Since that time he has worked providing direct patient care, and has been an FTO. He transitioned to management and has held many positions over the years including operations and later focusing on training, safety and risk management. His most recent position was National Director of Safety and Risk for AMR. Prior to that, he was the Regional Director of Safety and Risk, CES and Fleet Services, also for AMR. He worked extensively on the development of all three Safety Concept Vehicles co-built by AMR and AEV. He maintains an EMS Safety site and blog, EMSafety.net, and can be contacted at drjlove007@gmail.com.