USDHHS: H1N1 Flu Information http://www.pandemicflu.gov/ Public Health Guidance for the Use of Facemasks During an Influenza Pandemic http://www.pandemicflu.gov/vaccine/maskguidance.html Interim Public Health Guidance for the Use of Face Masks During an Influenza Pandemic http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/maskguidancecommunity.html CDC: H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette in Healthcare Settings http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/resphygiene.htm WHO: Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response (EPR): Influenza A(H1N1) http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html OSHA: Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers http://www.osha.gov/Publications/3328-05-2007-English.html OSAP: http://www.osap.org/ White Paper–Swine Influenza: http://www.ineedce.com/courses/1561/PDF/SwineFlu_WP_0409.pdf

What is the H1NI (Swine Flu) virus?According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC), H1N1 is a new strain of the influenza virus that is causing illness in humans. Often referred to as the “Swine Flu,” this new virus was first detected in the US in April 2009, where it is believed to have spread from Mexico. Other countries in our region, including Mexico and Canada, have also reported cases of this virus, which seems to spread quickly from person-to-person, much in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

What can I do to lower my risk of getting and/or spreading the H1NI flu?
While there is currently no vaccine available to protect against the H1N1 virus, there are everyday actions you can take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza, including:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items are useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

How can Crosstex help you?
As one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of face masks and related infection control supplies in the US, Crosstex, a division of Cantel Medical Corp., Little Falls, NJ, is prepared to help both individuals and organizations through this crisis. Because we have recognized and prepared for this kind of threat for several years, we are now able to provide valuable information and ensure an adequate supply of infection control products. To learn more, click on the links below.