Swine Flu Preparedness Steps Issued By Applied Mitigation Sciences

April 30, 2009 - PRLog -- Applied Mitigation Sciences, a global provider of terrorism, disaster, and pandemic preparedness services, has issued the following general guidance for the public in light of the spreading swine-flu pandemic.

The new H1N1 strain combines elements of swine, avian and human flu viruses and has caused great concern among infectious disease specialists.  In light of the increasing virulent nature of the strain, Applied Mitigation provides the following guidance for preventing the spread of the swine flu (as put out by the U.S. Center for Disease Control):

What can a person do to protect themselves from getting sick?

Everyone should take the following steps:  (1) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. (2) Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.  (3) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. (4) Try to avoid close contact with sick people. (5) If you get sick with influenza, you should stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. (6) Use a mask to cover you mouth and nose (use at least an N95 mask).

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

(1) If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. (2) Do not go to work or school if ill. (3) Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. (4) Put your used tissue in the waste basket. (5) Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow if you do not have a tissue. (6) Clean your hands every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing your hands to avoid getting the flu?

(1) Wash your hands often. (2) Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. (3) When you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- you should vigorously wash for 15 to 20 seconds. (4) 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. (5) 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.

In summary, the above steps should be taken by everyone to prevent the spread of this (and all) strains of influenza.  Above, common sense and vigilance should be used.

Applied Mitigation has issued more specific guidance directly to its clients and has raised its alert level to Orange in light of the current situation.  All clients should begin to implement their individual preparedness and response plans accordingly.

For additional information about Applied Mitigation’s preparedness services, contact Applied Mitigation Sciences at 404-663-6900 (U.S.) or visit www.appliedmitigation.com.

Applied Mitigation is dedicated to increasing the preparedness of its clients and their families for natural and man-made disasters, terrorist attacks, pandemics, and social disorder through education, preparation and training.