H1N1 Flu Update
South Carolina Firefighters’ Association
Informing, Educating and Training
October 14, 2009.
Recent Developments in How to Protect medical workers from the flu
Although the concern with H1N1 influenza and Personal Protection Equipment ( PPE) is still ‘droplet protection” a recent development could require changes in what medical workers use as personal protection when they come in close contact with patients that have or could have H1N1 flu. The guidelines and recommendations have always been to use N-95 Mask but recent studies indicated that other surgical mask were just as effective.
What has changed is that OSHA has now adopted the recommendations to use N-95 mask and changed it from a recommendation and made it a required standard. The use of N-95 mask is now an OSHA requirement and could be enforced with fines and penalties. The regulation does take into consideration the possibility of a shortage of N-95 mask and addresses what to do if the masks are not available. Who decides if there is a real shortage is not clear. Proper use of N-95 mask includes being fit tested and the use of eye protection.
There was considerable concern voiced by the public health agencies across the country with this development and we could still see changes in the future. The CDC web site is the best way to stay up to date on the rapidly changing recommendations and requirements.
This guidance is specific to Health Care Facilities but will most likely be extended First Responders as well.
Please share this with the firefighting community so that everyone can stay safe and conform to the OSHA requirements. The revised guidance will be posted on the CDC site later this afternoon.
The NEW GUIDANCE on CDC Guidance on Infection Control in Healthcare Facilitiescan be found at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/. or specifically for EMS and First Responders http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_ems.htm
Doug Skroback
DHEC Office of Public Health Preparedness
803-898-0518 or 803-667-1250
