 |
The
George Washington University Medical Center - ALERT Information Important Numbers |
|||
| Swine Influenza | GWUMC Status | Campus Advisories | GWUMC Home Page | |
| Readiness | Bomb Threat | Shelter in Place | Mail Handling | |
| Hospital Codes | Other Important Nos. | Special Accommodations | ||
SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC)
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
Where can I go for more information?
Visit these web sites:
The Homeland Security Council set the national threat level at yellow ("elevated"). GW's coordination with federal and local government officials continues and the University Police Department will continue to operate in a state of heightened awareness.
This and the University Web site will be the primary vehicles to inform the GW community, so please visit it frequently. Updated information also will be available through the GW Recorded Information Line at (202) 994-5050. The Campus Advisories website can be accessed directly from the GW homepage, www.gwu.edu or directly at www.gwu.edu/~gwalert. For future updates about GW, please visit this Web site or call GW’s Recorded Information Line at 202-994-5050. back to top
As our nation grapples with the changing status of alert levels, we remain vigilant. Our safety plans for Ross Hall have been thoroughly reviewed and updated to ensure the utmost security. We are prepared for many scenarios and feel confident that we can exercise these plans efficiently if all of us take responsibility for our own safety and the safety of our co-workers.
Let me remind all of you that wearing GWorld identification cards at all times is the first line of defense. Valid GWorld cards will be swiped at the security desk upon entering Ross Hall. Individuals without a valid GWorld card will be required to sign in and produce valid identification. In addition, it would behoove all of us to review fire, evacuation and other safety procedures. You can do this by going to the safety website at www.gwumc.edu/research/labsafety.htm. This will give you information about safety and facilities procedures. It is important to remember that we have a certified safety specialist on call 24 hours a day. In addition, this website will link you to other websites with pertinent information about your personal safety.
Stop Work—secure research materials—principal investigators are
encouraged to regularly back-up and store data and other non-replaceable
information
Gather ALL personal belongings and take them with you
Close Doors—do NOT lock them
Use the nearest stairwell—do NOT use the elevators
Exit the building at ground level—move at least 100 feet away from the
building; look out for responding emergency vehicles
Report to your supervisor
REMAIN OUTSIDE BUILDINGS UNTIL FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Individuals who refuse to leave buildings must be reported to the Office of Laboratory Safety and Compliance and the University Police Department. Do not attempt to force someone to leave—report the individual(s) to whoever is conducting the evacuation.
Anyone who requires special assistance or accommodation to evacuate should contact the Office of Medical Center Safety, Biosecurity and Emergency Management at 202-994-3282.
If we are mandated to stay in the building, there will be notification via our email listserv, NetWare server and/or telephone system, if available, or by messenger.
In the weeks ahead, we will be visiting departments floor by floor to review our procedures. Each of you will be asked to take a role in working together in an emergency and will be trained on what your role is.
The most important thing to remember is that in these times of uncertainty, we must remain calm and focused. Our objective is to maintain a safe environment and you can help us do that by being informed on our policies and reinforcing the message to colleagues.
John F. Williams, MD, EdD, MPH
Provost and Vice President for Health Affairs
Please remember that ID’s must be displayed at all times
Should an alarm occur during classes, faculty will facilitate the evacuation of students.
Gather ALL personal belongings and
take them with you.
Use the nearest stairwell—do NOT use the elevators.
Exit the building at ground level—move at least 100 feet
away from the building; look out for responding vehicles.
Students would use the following evacuation routes:
REMAIN OUTSIDE BUILDINGS UNTIL FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
When the fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building using the stairwells not the elevator
Evacuate the building through any fire door exit and congregate on the sidewalks in front of Ross Hall—not in the courtyard or walkway/driveway between 23rd Street and the courtyard
If you discover a fire: 1) remove anyone in danger 2) activate the fire alarm pull station 3) call University policy at 994-7113 and provide your name, location, and the size or type of fire; and 4) evacuate the building. The office of Medical Center Safety can be reached at 994-3282.
If you receive a bomb threat call or a suspicious package, immediately call University Police at 994-6111 or page the safety specialists at 202-994-3282.
After a threat evaluation, the Medical Center administration and University Police Department will decide whether to not to evacuate. If an evacuation is ordered, please follow the evacuation procedures.
If an emergency involves the roof, 6th or 5th floors, evacuate immediately. ALL employees of the 6th floor and students should familiarize themselves with the exit routes located within the hospital. In the event of an evacuation, employees and students should pay attention to fire alarms and other notification warnings. In the event of a hospital evacuation:
Stop work
Gather ALL personal belongings and take them with you
Close doors—do NOT lock them
Use the nearest stairwell—do NOT use the elevators
Exit the building at ground level and report immediately to your supervisor.
Supervisors SHALL notify GWUMC administration when all employees are accounted
for
Hospital Security 202-715-5000
Code Pink |
Baby missing, Building Locked Down |
Code Purple |
VIP in building. Stairwells may be Blocked/Closed |
Code Orange |
Hospital Disaster Plan Activated Listen for Details |
Code Yellow |
Bomb Threat Listen for Details |
Code Blue |
Resuscitation Team Needed in Hospital |
Code White/Yellow |
Trauma Victim Arriving |
GWUMC Offers Guidelines for Mail Handling
We ask that everyone keep in mind that a hazardous agent can be enclosed in either a package or an envelope. However, some unique characteristics may assist the identification of a suspect mailing. Here are some items to remember when receiving mail:
If you are suspicious of a mailing and are unable to verify the contents with the addressee or sender:
The following information regarding the handling of suspicious mail is supplied by the United States Postal Service:
What constitutes a "suspicious parcel?"
Some typical characteristics Postal Inspectors have detected over the years, which should trigger suspicion, include parcels that:
What should I do if I've received a suspicious parcel in the mail?
What should I do if I receive an anthrax threat by mail?
Again, if you receive suspicious mail, please contact University Police immediately at 994-6111.
Please refer to the GW website (www.gwu.edu) for updates on the University's status and related information. You are also encouraged to familiarize yourself with the GW Police website (gwired.gwu.edu/upd) for information on emergency procedures.
|
|
|
|
Return to GWUMC
Home Page
site maintained by mccm