April 27, 2009, updated on May 5, 2009

Brulin has received many inquiries concerning the swine flu outbreak in Mexico and the United States. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have been sharing recommendations and providing data on Frequently Asked Questions – a listing of those resource links is included at the conclusion of this Technical Update.

 

This Swine Flu is caused by an influenza A (H1N1) virus. The makeup of influenza A viruses is essentially the same, whether they are swine, avian, or human.  Brulin’s Disinfectant Cleaners (Maxima, Uniquat, and BruClean TbC) all have label claims against at least one form of influenza A virus. Your customers can use these products with confidence, where there is a concern with influenza A virus.

 

The EPA makes the following comments on identifying products that are registered by EPA to disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces that may be contaminated

with the swine flu. *

 

EPA believes, based on available scientific information, that the currently registered influenza A virus products will be effective against the 2009-H1N1 flu strain and other influenza A virus strains on hard, non-porous surfaces. *

 

The CDC makes the following comments and recommendations on swine flu on their website**

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

 

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. NOTE: Brulin recommends cleaning these surfaces with Maxima, Uniquat or Bru-Clean TbC – all effective against influenza A virus.   

 

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:

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

·         Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

·         If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

 

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.

NOTE: Brulin has recently introduced a new hand soap program – TOPfoam – this includes two hand cleaners and SeptiClean alcohol based hand sanitizer.

 

Links

* http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/influenza-disinfectants.html

** http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

www.mayoclinic.com/health/infectious-disease/AN00652

http://www.pmsa.us.com/NESSA/OSHA_pandemic_health.pdf