By the time you are reading this I imagine the media coverage will have dissipated, but the topic du jour is undoubtedly the H1N1 virus, also being referred to as the Swine Flu. At the time of publication, 22 countries have officially reported 1,516 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection and 31 deaths have been attributed to the virus. There have been 29 deaths in Mexico and two in the U.S. This virus has officially reached pandemic status, which is defined as affecting a whole country or worldwide, in contrast to an epidemic which is a widespread occurrence within a community.
This latest infectious outbreak has received much publicity in the news and social media. It has left the Centers for Disease Control scrambling to create a vaccination. Many schools have been closed, extracurricular and athletic activities postponed, some countries have put travelers under quarantine, travel advisories have been issued, and all non-essential businesses have been encouraged to close in Mexico, which has been the most severely affected population.
I recently hosted the Professional Hair Removal Conference and one of the presentations was in fact on Infection Control. Based on the evaluations from that presentation, I understand that it isn’t the most glamorous or highly anticipated topic of any conference. However, it is a necessary evil especially working in the aesthetic and hair removal industry. I would love to show you one of the images Karen Marshall, Epidemiology Surveillance Coordinator for the Tarrant County Public Health Department included in her presentation. The photograph was of a hand to which a substance, only visible in UV light, had been applied. The participant then did what she thought was a good job of washing her hands. Well, you know what they say… a picture is worth 1,000 words and if you could see this one you wouldn’t need all of them to know that her hand was clearly not clean.
The point here though is that while infection control may not be our favorite subject, it is important in order to break the chain of infection. First make sure you have a firm understanding of the modes of transmission. Second know how to break the chain of infection. Finally, practice Universal Precautions diligently. If during your consultation with a client you notice they don’t seem to be feeling well (coughing, sneezing, etc.), you might suggest that they reschedule their appointment for a time when they are not ill. This will help protect not only you and that client, but everyone else in the facility that they may come in contact with either directly or indirectly.
There is much speculation that even after this initial outbreak of the H1N1 virus subsides, that it will return again in the fall. But whether it is this virus or a different pathogen, if you will practice the following recommendations excerpted from the CDC website (www.cdc.gov) and use good common sense you will significantly decrease the risk to you and
your client’s.
1. Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
3. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
5. Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
6. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.
7. Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
Saundra
