Pandemic Flu and Pandemic Flu and Infection Prevention and Infection Prevention and

ControlControl

Emma.K.LeeEmma.K.LeeAssociate Nurse SpecialistAssociate Nurse Specialist

Infection Prevention & Control, LCHS Infection Prevention & Control, LCHS

TransmissionTransmission

Incubation period - Incubation period - time from exposure to onset time from exposure to onset of symptoms of symptoms

- likely to be 1-4 days (2-3 - likely to be 1-4 days (2-3 typical) typical)

Period of infectivity -Period of infectivity -when someone is capable of when someone is capable of infecting others infecting others

immediately from the onset immediately from the onset of symptoms… of symptoms…

3-5 days in most children3-5 days in most children

7-8 days in most adults7-8 days in most adults

Transmission Transmission

Period of infectivity likely to be Period of infectivity likely to be reduced by early treatment reduced by early treatment with Tamiflu® (within 12h)with Tamiflu® (within 12h)

Infectiousness proportional to Infectiousness proportional to symptomssymptoms

‘‘Safe’ option is to assume Safe’ option is to assume infectious until symptoms infectious until symptoms have resolvedhave resolved

Possible modes of spreadPossible modes of spread

Large dropletsLarge droplets: virus laden secretions - : virus laden secretions - coughs, sneezes which travel coughs, sneezes which travel up to 3 feet up to 3 feet

Contact: Contact: DIRECT DIRECT persons touching each other persons touching each other skin-skinskin-skin

INDIRECTINDIRECT persons touching surfaces persons touching surfaces contaminated by viruses contaminated by viruses

Possible modes of spread Possible modes of spread

Airborne or fine dropletAirborne or fine droplet (aerosol): (aerosol):

tiny particles containing viruses which remain tiny particles containing viruses which remain suspended in the air, can travel long distances, suspended in the air, can travel long distances, and be inhaled - not much evidence for this and be inhaled - not much evidence for this outside of animal models; outside of animal models; not considered not considered significant significant

Virus survivalVirus survival

Hard surfacesHard surfaces: : • viruses detectable for up to72hviruses detectable for up to72h• transferable and detectable on hands for only 24htransferable and detectable on hands for only 24h

Soft surfaces/furnishingsSoft surfaces/furnishings: : • detectable for up to 24h detectable for up to 24h • transferable and detectable on hands for only 15 transferable and detectable on hands for only 15

minutesminutes

Survival on hands after transferSurvival on hands after transfer: : • 5 minutes5 minutes

Clearance of virusClearance of virus

Easily inactivated on surfaces by Easily inactivated on surfaces by 1.household cleaners1.household cleaners

2.bleach solutions 2.bleach solutions

3.standard detergents3.standard detergents

Easily inactivated on hands by Easily inactivated on hands by 1.soap, water and drying1.soap, water and drying

2.alcohol hand rub 2.alcohol hand rub

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA & PANDEMIC INFLUENZA & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE

EQUIPMENT (PPE)EQUIPMENT (PPE)

If in close contact with a case or suspected case of If in close contact with a case or suspected case of

influenza during a pandemic situation the influenza during a pandemic situation the

infection control guidance is the same as in a infection control guidance is the same as in a

non-pandemic situation i.e. use of appropriate non-pandemic situation i.e. use of appropriate

PPE to avoid acquisition/spread of infectionPPE to avoid acquisition/spread of infection

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Wear a surgical mask,

then…

Direct care to be provided?

NOMask only for entry to area

with no patient contact

YESDon disposable

gloves and plastic apron

Work from Clean to Dirty

Limit opportunities for touch contamination

Protect yourselves, others and the environment

Discard as clinical waste.

Don't touch your face or adjust PPE with contaminated gloves

Don't touch environmental surfaces except as necessary during patient care

Your ResponsibilitiesYour Responsibilities Acting as a role model – embed good infection control Acting as a role model – embed good infection control

procedures on a day-to-day basis at work & at homeprocedures on a day-to-day basis at work & at home

Awaiting final guidance from DH on infection control for Awaiting final guidance from DH on infection control for Social Care (check DoH website)Social Care (check DoH website)

People who become symptomatic at work should go home as People who become symptomatic at work should go home as quickly as possible, isolating themselves where practical & quickly as possible, isolating themselves where practical & contact the National Flu Linecontact the National Flu Line

Although national provision of PPE is being discussed Although national provision of PPE is being discussed employers need to make provision guidance available at:employers need to make provision guidance available at:• HSE - www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/diseases/pandemic.htmHSE - www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/diseases/pandemic.htm• DoH - Pandemic influenza: guidance for infection control DoH - Pandemic influenza: guidance for infection control

in hospitals and primary care settingsin hospitals and primary care settings

Further Information & Questions?Further Information & Questions?

Websites – further infection control informationWebsites – further infection control information• Department of Health (DoH)Department of Health (DoH)• Health Protection Agency (HPA)Health Protection Agency (HPA)• World Health Organisation (WHO)World Health Organisation (WHO)

DoH Pandemic Flu FAQ –delegate packsDoH Pandemic Flu FAQ –delegate packs

pandemicflu@dh.gsi.gov.ukpandemicflu@dh.gsi.gov.uk

Shayne.ward@lpct.nhs.uk (NHS Lincolnshire – Shayne.ward@lpct.nhs.uk (NHS Lincolnshire – Pandemic Flu Planning Coordinator)Pandemic Flu Planning Coordinator)