The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the Swine flu, now being referred to as the H1N1 flu, as a Phase 6 pandemic alert level. This is the first time in 41 years that an alert has reached this top pandemic level. According to  WHO, 114 countries and territories have now reported a total of 59,814 H1N1 influenza cases, and the numbers continue to grow. In the U.S. alone, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, reporting 27,717 confirmed cases and 127 deaths. Mexico, where this outbreak originated, now has 8,279 cases, including 116 deaths. Canada now has reported 6,732 cases with 19 deaths.
What is the concern with this pandemic?
This new strain of influenza is just that - new. There is no vaccine, and people have not been previously exposed to it in order to build their natural immunity. In addition, the concern lies in how quickly the H1N1 strain is spreading from person-to-person and traveling from country-to-country. The initial deaths in Mexico immediately raised the question of just how deadly this strain could become in the future.
With the new Phase 6 pandemic alert level, the WHO is recognizing that H1N1 is not going away. Some areas already hit by the Swine flu are seeing a resurgence of cases and it is clear that as the next flu season rolls around we will be seeing H1N1 again. Right now, H1N1 is listed as a moderate concern, meaning that most people who contract this illness will have mild symptoms and not need medicine. However, we are still regularly hearing about more deaths in the news. The WHO cautions against getting too complacent as this first wave of infection passes through, indicating that we need to be prepared for the next wave.
How is H1N1 spread?
The H1N1 influenza is now being spread mostly from person-to-person contact. As one person coughs or sneezes, the H1N1 is carried in the droplets of moisture that are spread into the air. It can be spread directly to a person or it can remain on hard surfaces, such as counter tops, desk tops and door knobs and be transferred when a person then touches that hard surface.
What can be done to prevent the spread?
The CDC is recommending that everyone pay close attention to their personal hygiene: 
- Wash hands frequently using soap and water (especially after coughing or sneezing) and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- One should always cough or sneeze into a tissue or their sleeve at the bend of the elbow.
- Avoid touching your hands to your mouth, nose or eyes as these are all entry ways for the spread of germs.
- If you are not feeling well, stay home until you are sure you do not have the H1N1 flu.
- Follow public health advice, regarding school closures and avoiding large crowds.
- Make sure your facility has a plan in place to help prevent the spread.
United also recommends the use of disinfectants featuring influenza kill claims, like our United 64 BACFIGHTER, to help prevent the spreading of H1N1 when coming into contact with hard surfaces that may harbor this germ.
Will we have to worry about H1N1 in the future?
As the warm weather of summer approaches, flu concerns usually disappear. However, the different strains of influenza always return with the cold, sometimes mutating further. With that in mind we can expect to see the H1N1 virus again as the next flu season appears.
With diseases regularly making the news of late, how can a facility best protect the people that work at or visit that facility?
As MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) started to make the headlines, United Laboratories developed the Three-Step MRSA Mitigation Program.
This is a program that can be followed not only for MRSA, but most other common illnesses. These three simple steps will to help protect you, your staff, students, inmates or customers:
- Disinfect All Common Areas. Fog with:
United 64 BACFIGHTER
United 151 PHENOFOG
- Practice and Promote Good Hand Hygiene. United offers several great options to prevent the spread of illness by person-to-person contact:
United 264 CONTACT Instant Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer
United 364 CONTACT PLUS
United 369 HAND-D-WIPES Hand Sanitizer
United 379 MEDI-CRÈME Antimicrobial Hand Cleanser
United 758 MERINGUE Foaming Antibacterial Hand Soap
United 764 MICROMOUSSE Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizing Foam
- Routinely Clean and Disinfect Hard Surfaces. United offers several alternatives for your disinfecting needs:
United 64 BACFIGHTER
United 136 Lemon Disinfectant Deodorant
United 255 DISINFECT PLUS One-Step Disinfectant, Germicidal Detergent and Deodorant
United 262 HEPACIDE Broad Spectrum Disinfectant
United 351 Disinfectant Spray
All of the above disinfectants have influenza kill claims in addition to MRSA and many others. Using United 64 BACFIGHTER with the EZ-D Dilution system offers an economical way to both fog larger areas and disinfect hard surfaces.
For more information on United Laboratories’ Three-Step MRSA Mitigation Program click here. If you have questions about Swine flu, MRSA or any United products you may also speak with your United Sales/Service Representative for more information. Don't have a United Representative? Give the home office a call at 1-800-323-2594 and we can assign one to you.
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