September 2009 Archives
Free Online Training:
Information Network (CEPIN).
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AWR 187-W Terrorism and WMD Awareness in the Workplace
This 30-minute, Web-based "Terrorism 101" course prepares learners to successfully recognize, report, and react to potential terrorist incidents. In the first two lessons, learners develop a broad understanding of terrorism, including a definition of terrorism as well as examples of terrorist groups and targets. In addition, learners gain insight into the importance of protecting private sector resources through awareness-level training. The last two lessons list various weapons of mass destruction (WMD), relay indicators of potential terrorist activity, and outline actions to be taken in the event of a potential terrorist attack.
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An interactive, web-based course designed for Law Enforcement Professionals. The goals of the course are to build a common, minimum level of preparedness among the nation's first responders in meeting the goals of the National Homeland Security Strategy and to improve the ability of every jurisdiction in the United States to 1) develop capacity in preventing terrorism, 2) demonstrate coherence with a common standard of practice in prevention of terrorism; and 3) ensure every jurisdiction has a basic ability to recognize crucial links between prevention, response and recovery.
Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers with the support of Maricopa County Department of Public Health will conduct a vaccination exercise where adults over 18 can get a free seasonal flu shot (not H1N1).
The walk-up clinic will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 31st at the Chandler Gilbert Community College's Pecos Campus located at 2626 E. Pecos Road in Chandler.
For additional information, please call 480.728.5640.
1. Is the H1N1 flu more dangerous than the regular/seasonal flu?
§ No, not unless you are in a "high risk" category for other diseases. However, symptoms and effectiveness of treatments do not vary significantly from past strains of the seasonal flu.
§ A significant difference with the H1N1 flu is that, to date, the number of reported cases per 100,000 population was highest among people in the 5-year to 24-year age group.
2. Am I at high risk to get the flu?
§ Children younger than 5 years of age, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, neuromuscular disorders, or heart disease), and people 65 years of age and older are more likely to get complications from the flu. Your health care provider may prescribe antiviral drugs, and they are most effective when started within two (2) days of getting sick.
3. How do I know if I may have the flu?
§ Symptoms of the flu include fever or chills AND cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include running nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
§ Do not come to work if you are sick with fever AND cough or sore throat
4. How do I avoid getting the flu?
Simple practices such as:
§ Covering your cough with your upper sleeve or tissue instead of your hands
§ Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds (which is singing Happy Birthday twice).
§ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
§ Use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
§ Wipe down your work unit's workstations, phones, desks and common work areas with sanitary wipes every day.
§ Get vaccinated for the seasonal flu.
5. How can I get an H1N1 flu shot?
§ The H1N1 vaccination is currently being developed and tested and priority distribution will be given to select hospital and medical personnel, public safety first responders, and the most vulnerable public populations. The H1N1 vaccine is not expected to be available in sufficient quantities to inoculate the general public for the near future.
6. How do I know if I should stay home from work?
§ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that sick employees stay home if they are sick with flu-like illness until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medicines (and medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
7. How long should I stay home if I think I have the flu?
§ People with flu-like illness should stay home until at least 24 hours after they are free from fever or symptoms. In some cases, this could be up to 7 days.
Information is from the City of Chandler: www.chandleraz.gov
Seasonal flu is a common illness that occurs every year, usually in the winter. In April 2009, the world experienced the outbreak of Novel H1N1 influenza virus (referred to as "swine flu" early on) and it has since spread across the world. And while this situation is obviously a cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert, it is not a cause for alarm. One of the best ways to get ready is to become knowledgeable of what risks you and your family may face.
Federal, state and international health agencies are monitoring the disease and taking precautions to ward off a wider spread of the flu. Keep up-to-date:
- Flu.gov - U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services
- www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ - Center for Disease Control
- http://www.azdhs.gov/flu/ - Arizona Department of Health Services
- www.wearepublichealth.org - Maricopa County Department of Public Health
- StopTheSpreadAZ.org
H1N1 Flu Hotline:
The Community Information and Referral (CIR) public inquiry hotline is now open to receive questions about the impact of Swine Flu on our community.
The public may call 602-263-8856 or 800-352-3792 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with bilingual staff about general questions about Swine Flu, learn how it is affecting our local community as well as learn Web sites and telephone numbers for more information.
Additionally, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health has preparedness information available on its Web site, www.wearepublichealth.org that offers specific guidance for individuals, employers, schools and community groups about how to become prepared for a health emergency.
Read the full story at: www.chandleraz.gov/flu.
