Strategies to Beat the Flu
By Nancy Andrews, RDH, BS
Editor’s Note: This is part two of a two-part series looking at swine flu. Part one looked at influenza (flu), how it is transmitted, how to avoid exposure and the role of the dental industry in supplying products customers need. This article deals with personal preparation for pandemics: vaccinations, supplies and strategies.
In the northern hemisphere, news stories about H1N1 Swine influenza have moved to lower priority, but the virus continues to spread (especially in the lower hemisphere) and scientists are tracking its evolution. The first wave of the H1N1 influenza was not as lethal as feared, although it spreads easily. It is a “novel virus” (new and different), so cross reactive immunity that may confer some protection is rare, especially in young people. The worst cases of 2009-H1N1 thus far, causing severe illness or death, have been mostly in younger adults, children, pregnant women and those with health problems making them more susceptible. With the next flu season, 2009-H1N1 will re-emerge. When it does, it could hit hard or soft, but it will return. The following are ways you can be ready for it.
Participate in local preparedness programs and/or help customers prepare
World response to the 2009 Swine Influenza pandemic has prepared us better than ever, but the initial surge also revealed weaknesses in systems that are vital to personal survival. If the H1N1 influenza virus returns in a virulent form, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) warned that emergency rooms and healthcare facilities are not ready to handle the numbers of sick people that are anticipated. If medical care is overwhelmed, dental professionals may be needed to help. Since Sept. 11, some states have registered and credentialed volunteer healthcare (including dental) professionals for emergency response. Duties likely include vaccinating, dispensing medication, medical screening, distributing information, directing people, registering patients and entering data. Dental industry members should be aware of their state programs and of involved customers. Those with the ability should consider volunteering. Because reps have knowledge about important things like how to wear a mask correctly and hand hygiene, they can contribute meaningfully. Fear and chaos are a major factor in any disaster – but can best be avoided by having a plan and real supplies.
Vaccination strategies
Vaccinations are extremely important for reducing both seasonal influenza and (when a 2009-H1N1 vaccine becomes available for mass distribution), for swine flu control. The CDC is guiding vaccination plans for target groups to reduce mass social disruption and avoid illness and deaths. Dental industry members and providers should be vaccinated, and volunteers can help make these vaccination programs successful – now and during flu season.
Prepare a readiness pack
In a serious pandemic, separation and isolation will be important strategies. People who can stay away from public places, including the overwhelmed medical emergency centers, will likely be asked to do so. Now is the time to set your plan and build a readiness pack that can sustain you in isolation if needed. Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. Help your customers get ready too.
Emergency agencies recommend readiness packs that can be used for physical and natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, fires, explosions, floods, radiation or chemical exposures, and other accidents. It is logical to prepare a kit that will be useful for the most likely disasters in your area, as well as for a pandemic, in case social and safety support systems and supplies fail. If too many people are stricken ill at once, basic supplies and services (including utilities, food, communications, sanitation, police, fire, and medical services) may be unreliable or missing. Readiness packs should be easily mobile but should include enough supplies to last for at least 72 hours. Items should be contained in packaging that preserves them over time against moisture, pests, and obsolescence, and should be labeled and dated for easy replacement and safe use. See the sidebar for a basic list of readiness supplies, modifiable for different locations and types of disaster planning.
The 2009-H1N1 influenza is a reason to think about personal preparedness before a crisis hits. Since dental reps have unique knowledge of infection control, access to supplies, and contact with dental professionals who should also be preparing, all they need is the motivation and focus it takes to get ready – for a pandemic or any other disaster.
Sidebar 1:
Suggested items for Emergency Pack:
Food and Water
- Camping or military-type meals and rations (low salt to reduce need for water)
- Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit
- Water and/or water purification device or chemical
- Drinking water filter, antimicrobial water treatment product such as chlorine, iodine, etc.
- Bulk water stored at home, office, in car or backpack
- Food preparation supplies
Sanitation
- Facemasks, including N-95 respirators
- Bar soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Pre-saturated hand towelettes
- Tissues, toilet paper
- Saturated surface cleaner/disinfectants
- Plastic bags, all sizes
- Paper towels, high-absorbent towels
General Supplies
- Writing materials
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Sunscreen
- Paper cups
- Safety pins
- Needle and thread
- Insect repellent
- Pocket knife
- Small tool kit
- Duct tape
- Battery radio
- Flashlight, flares
- Whistle
First Aid / Medical
- Prescription medications taken every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. Periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
- Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.
- Preferred over-the-counter medications
- Thermometer
- Sanitary napkins (multiple uses)
- Oral hygiene supplies
- Single-use temporary cement for lost restorations, topical anesthetic
- Extra pairs of glasses, sturdy shoes, underwear
- Mylar blanket, rain coat, hat, gloves, instantheat packs
- First-Aid book
- Two pairs of non-latex, non-sterile gloves
- Two pairs of non-latex, sterile gloves
- Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
- Cleansing agent/ soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect skin.
- Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
- Burn ointment to prevent infection
- Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
- Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as a general decontaminant.
- Elastic bandages
- Rolled gauze
- Cotton-tipped swabs
- Adhesive tape roll
- Instant cold packs for sprains
- Splinting material
- Ammonia smelling salts
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