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Allied Health Care: Infection Control

Seasonal Information

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD):

As of August 6, 2014, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) activated a Level 1 response in recognition of the public health threat posed by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.  The countries specifically affected at this point include Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.  Activation of a Level 1 response is a direct response to the public health emergency primarily with in the above named countries and allows CDC to marshal additional resources to help coordinate a world-wide effort to halt the spread of EVD.  This is not a response to a specific risk of Ebola within the United States.

It is possible that cases of EVD may be imported into the US, beyond the two known cases of US citizens brought to Atlanta, by persons returning to the US from the affected countries.  SHC has deployed several safe guards to allow staff to appropriately respond to and care for any patients suspected of having EVD throughout Stanford Health Care.  Appropriate and rapid identification of possible cases is of paramount importance to ensure that patients are cared for under the right circumstances.  We are following guidance from CDC and the California Department of Public Health in terms of case identification.  Transmission occurs through direct contact with blood or body fluids of infected individuals or through contact with items or surfaces contaminated with body fluids.  Additional information regarding detailed procedures is available for SHC staff on the SHC intranet site.

Please notify your healthcare provider before coming in for an appointment if you have traveled to Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia or Lagos, Nigeria and have a fever of 101.5F or greater. Your healthcare provider will provide you with additional information.

H1N1: 

Get vaccinated against seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu. Vaccination is the best protection we have against flu. CDC is now encouraging everyone to get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1. The vaccines to protect against 2009 H1N1 are widely available. Supplies of seasonal flu vaccine may be limited.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

Take everyday actions to stay healthy:

  • 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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
  • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

For detailed information please visit:  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/