H1N1 VIRUS

influenza A virus

influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1), is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans, including the strain(s) responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic which killed 50-100 million people worldwide. Less virulent H1N1 strains still exist in the wild today, worldwide, causing a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all flu infections in 2006.^[1] Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).

In March to June of 2009, thousands of laboratory-confirmed infections and a number of deaths were caused by an outbreak of a new strain of H1N1.^[2]

TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH

USE PROPER

Handwashing is the single most important procedure for preventing the spread of biological contamination. Despite this fact many laboratory personnel don't wash their hands properly. Here are some handwashing tips and procedures for your use.

1. Consider the sink, including the faucet controls, contaminated.

2. Avoid touching the sink.

3. Turn water on using a paper towel and then wet your hands and wrists.

4. Work soap into a lather.

5. Vigorously rub together all surfaces of the lathered hands for 15 seconds. Friction helps remove dirt and microorganisms. Wash around and under rings, around cuticles, and under fingernails

6. Rinse hands thoroughly under a stream of water. Running water carries away dirt and debris. Point fingers down so water and contamination won't drip toward elbows.

7. Dry hands completely with a clean dry paper towel.

8. Use a dry paper towel to turn faucet off.

9. To keep soap from becoming a breeding place for microorganisms, thoroughly clean soap dispensers before refilling with fresh soap.

10. When handwashing facilities are not available at a remote work site, use an appropriate antiseptic hand cleaner or antiseptic towelettes. As soon as possible, rewash hands with soap and running water.