General aspects
What is influenza A(H1N1)?
The influenza A(H1N1) virus is a new human virus resulting from a combination of segments of genes with different origins, porcine, avian and human. This virus was first detected in Mexico in March 2009 and is characterised by human-to-human transmission.
How is the influenza A(H1N1) virus transmitted?
In the context of the current epidemic, influenza A(H1N1) is transmitted as follows:
- by airborne spread, i.e. the virus spreads through the air via coughing, sneezing or saliva droplets;
- through direct close contact (less than a metre) with a person infected by a respiratory virus (through hugging, kissing or shaking hands);
- through indirect contact with objects that have been touched and thus contaminated by the sick person (e.g. a door handle).
What are the symptoms of influenza A(H1N1)?
The symptoms of influenza A(H1N1) are generally the following:
- fever higher than 38 °C;
- coughing and breathing difficulties;
- headache;
- nasal discharge;
- pains and muscle soreness;
- occasionally diarrhoea and/or vomiting.
In this case, a doctor should be consulted and be informed beforehand so that all precautions can be taken to avoid contact with other sick persons in the waiting room.
What is the incubation period for influenza A(H1N1)?
The period of time between the infection and the appearance of the first symptoms of the illness can be up to eight days.
How long is the virus contagious for?
An infected person can transmit the virus one day before and up to seven days following the appearance of symptoms.
How to protect against influenza A(H1N1)?
Vaccination enables you to protect yourself and your environment. (see under "Vaccination")
Generally, it is important to remember basic hygiene rules, simple acts that minimise the risks of infection. Indeed, the virus is transmitted mainly through the air, but it is also spread through hands and contaminated objects.
It is thus important to:
- avoid as far as possible all contact with a sick person;
- thoroughly and regularly wash your hands for 30 seconds with soap and water or alcohol-based solutions;
- cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing;
- always use a paper handkerchief when blowing your nose, coughing or spitting, and throw it into the rubbish immediately after use before washing your hands.
Are antiviral drugs effective?
In the event of a person becoming infected with the A(H1N1) virus, there are two antiviral drugs available to treat symptoms: Tamiflu® and Relenza®.
In the absence of a vaccine, antiviral drugs are currently the only option to combat the virus, outside of standard recommended hygiene measures and precautions. These antiviral drugs are prescribed by a doctor following a diagnosis.
There is no point in taking antiviral drugs for prophylactic purposes at this stage. Administered incorrectly, these drugs can cause significant side effects. They even have the potential to create resistant strains and thus lose their effectiveness in the event of illness.
(State of knowledge March 2010)
Can influenza A(H1N1) be caught from eating pork?
The virus is not transmitted through the consumption of pork or processed food products based on pork. The virus does not survive cooking (temperature of 70 °C).
Taking care of sick people
Whom to contact in case of influenza symptoms?
A doctor should be consulted in the event of an onset of sudden raised fever higher than 38 °C, accompanied by symptoms of influenza, such as
- coughing and breathing difficulties;
- headache;
- a common cold or sore throat;
- muscle soreness and pains;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.
One should not go to the doctor’s or to a hospital emergency room; it is recommended to contact them in advance by telephone so that all precautions may be taken to avoid contact with other sick people in the waiting room.
What to do in case of sickness?
In case of sickness, one must stay at home to avoid transmitting the illness to other people. One has to make sure to recover fully, which in principle takes seven days after the first appearance of symptoms.
Which hygiene precautions must the sick person and his or her family respect?
The sick person and his or her family shall respect above all the following basic hygiene precautions:
- Wash one’s hands several times a day for 30 seconds with soap, including in-between the fingers.
- Cough in a hygienic manner by using a paper handkerchief, throwing it into the rubbish after use and washing hands. If no paper handkerchief is available, cough or sneeze into the hollow of the elbow and not in the hands. This will stop the virus from being transmitted via hands.
- Avoid body contact, such as hugging, kissing, embracing, shaking hands, etc.
- Clean commonly used surfaces (door handles, handrails…) with soap or a water or alcohol-based solution.
- Regularly air the sick person’s room (open window wide for a few minutes).
If possible, the sick person shall wear a surgical mask whenever he or she is in contact with other people (less than a metre away). Wearing a mask reduces the emission of the virus into the air. Replace the mask whenever it is moist, at least every 2 to 3 hours, and immediately throw it into the rubbish. Subsequently wash one’s hands.
What types of masks are available?
There are two categories of masks, each offering different degrees of protection according to requirements.
The surgical mask is reserved for sick people so that they can avoid contaminating their surroundings. Wearing a mask reduces the emission of the virus into the air. This mask must be replaced whenever it is moist, at least every 2 to 3 hours. It must be immediately thrown into the rubbish after use.
The FFP2 mask (Filtering Facepiece Particles level 2) is reserved for health professionals. It is a disposable respiratory protective device designed to protect those who are in regular contact with sick people. It prevents the inhalation of airborne infectious agents.
Must a mask be worn?
It is not recommended that healthy people wear a surgical mask.
However, it is strongly recommended that sick people wear a surgical mask as soon they notice the appearance of symptoms, in particular if they are in close contact with other people (less than a metre away).
People at risk
Which people are particularly at risk?
An increased risk of complications applies in particular to:
- people suffering from a serious chronic illness between 6 months and 64 years (chronic respiratory illness, including asthma; chronic cardiovascular illness; chronic metabolic disorder, including in particular diabetes; chronic renal or hepatic illness; immune deficiency, congenital or acquired; chronic neurological or muscular disease; haemoglobinopathy; or any other condition affecting the immune system or impacting upon the respiratory system, including in particular morbid obesity);
- children aged 6 months and older, requiring long-term salicylic acid (aspirin) therapy;
- pregnant women, from their second term of pregnancy onwards.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding women and babies
Why are pregnant women considered to be at risk?
During pregnancy, mechanical and hormonal changes occur, in particular with regard to the cardiovascular, respiratory and immune systems. Pulmonary capacity is reduced due to the uterus growing and compressing the diaphragm. The risk therefore lies in the fact that the virus first and foremost attacks the respiratory tracts.
All these changes of the organism make pregnant women more susceptible to being affected by certain viral infections, in particular those of influenza.
What to do in case of sickness?
In pregnant women, there is a risk of the A(H1N1) virus leading to complications. It is thus recommended that the attending doctor be promptly contacted upon the first appearance of influenza symptoms, to discuss an appropriate course of action.
It is indeed not recommended that sick people make their way to the doctor’s practice or to the hospital emergency room without informing them in advance so as not to infect other people in the waiting room.
Can antiviral drugs be prescribed?
A doctor must always be consulted before taking any medication.
Given that pregnant women are part of the groups at increased risk, the World Health Organisation (WHO) advocate the administration of antiviral therapy as soon as possible following the appearance of symptoms.
(State of knowledge March 2010)
Can pregnant women get themselves vaccinated?
The World Health Organisation (WHO), the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommend the inclusion of pregnant women in the priority vaccination groups, given that they present a four to five-fold increased risk of developing a severe form of influenza with serious complications.
In Luxembourg, the Conseil supérieur d’hygiène, in its opinion dated 24 September 2009, also classified pregnant women among the priority vaccination groups from their second term of pregnancy onwards.
From 23 November 2009, the Panenza® vaccine (without adjuvant but with a preservative) can be administered to pregnant women.
It is recommended to consult a gynaecologist for an assessment regarding the benefit and risks of vaccination. (see under "Vaccination")
(State of knowledge March 2010)
Can a woman affected by the A(H1N1) virus breastfeed?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends breastfeeding, since research conducted on other influenza infections has revealed that human milk has a most likely protective effect on the infant: it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease. Human milk is generally speaking the best nutritional source for infants and strengthens their immune defences.
During breastfeeding, it is recommended that a surgical mask be worn and basic hygiene rules be scrupulously respected.
(State of knowledge March 2010)
Can a sick baby be breastfed?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends breastfeeding, since generally speaking it constitutes the best nutritional source for infants and strengthens their immune defences. A sick baby should therefore continue to be breastfed, since the physical contact with the mother, the supply of fluids and more frequent feeds are all beneficial.
(State of knowledge March 2010)
Can a woman taking antiviral drugs continue to breastfeed?
Provided a doctor prescribes antiviral drugs to a breastfeeding woman according to her risk of complications, she can continue to breastfeed her baby.
(State of knowledge March 2010)
Can a sick woman take care of her baby?
Since infants (up to two years) are particularly susceptible to the virus, it is recommended that a healthy person be asked to look after the baby. Failing this, it is advised that the sick woman wear a surgical mask and scrupulously respect the basic hygiene rules.
Vaccination
Is there a vaccine to protect against the influenza A(H1N1) virus?
On a European level
After evaluating the positive opinion by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), the European Commission granted marketing authorisation for the first two vaccines against influenza A(H1N1) on 29 September 2009: Focetria® by the Swiss pharmaceutical group Novartis and Pandemrix® by the British pharmaceutical group GlaxoSmithKline.
On 6 October 2009, the European Commission has also authorised a third vaccine: Celvapan® by the American pharmaceutical group Baxter.
These authorisations are valid for the 27 member states of the European Union as well as for Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
On a national level
In the context of a procedure common to several member states, the French pharmaceutical group Sanofi Pasteur has filed a simultaneous marketing authorisation for the Panenza® vaccine in France as well as in Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Luxembourg. This vaccine has been authorised by the French Health Products Safety Agency (Agence française de sécurité sanitaire des produits de santé) on 16 November 2009.
(State of knowledge March 2010)
Why get vaccinated?
The influenza A(H1N1) virus is very contagious. In fact it infects three to six times more people than the seasonal influenza virus and can therefore cause three to six times more deaths.
The balance between the benefit and possible risks incurred by the vaccine leans towards vaccination. The objective of vaccination is to confer, as rapidly as possible, a maximum level of protection to the population in its entirety, and in particular to people considered at risk, i.e. people likely to develop serious complications.
Where to get vaccinated?
From 30 November 2009, the vaccination operates in a decentralised manner with the general practitioners and paediatricians taking part in the vaccination campaign. People wanting to get vaccinated against the A(H1N1) virus can contact their general practitioner or paediatrician directly to fix an appointment. Vaccination is administered in the medical practices free of charge.
Pregnant women can address their gyneacologist directly. Vaccination is carried out in the out-patients' clinics of maternities free of charge.
Please note that from 27 October to 28 November 2009, the vaccination campaign took place in the vaccination centres throughout the country.
Which vaccines are administered in Luxembourg?
Pandemrix®
Luxembourg has ordered 700 000 vaccine doses for the entire population of Pandemrix® from GlaxoSmithKline. The delivery of the vaccines will be staggered over several months from mid-October 2009 onwards.
This vaccine contains an adjuvant, i.e. an additive that increases the immune response. This adjuvant is squalene-based.
The package leaflet of the Pandemrix® vaccine can be consulted on the website of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA).
Panenza®
Luxembourg has also ordered 15 000 vaccine doses of Panenza® from Sanofi Pasteur. It will be available from 23 November 2009.
This vaccine without adjuvant, but with a preservative, is exclusively intended for the following people:
- children aged from 6 to 23 months included;
- pregnant women, from their second term of pregnancy onwards;
- people having had an organ transplant.
The package leaflet of the Panenza® vaccine can be consulted on the website of Sanofi Pasteur.
(State of knowledge March 2010)
What is an adjuvant?
The vaccine can contain an additive, known as an adjuvant, which increases the immune response. Numerous vaccines have included adjuvants in their composition for over 30 years.
Aluminium salts have for a long time been the main adjuvants generally used in vaccines. Adjuvants from a more recent generation are also used. They contain an emulsion known as "oil-in-water", which essentially incorporates squalene, a lipidic substance that occurs naturally in plants, animals and humans. It is also present in certain foodstuffs, cosmetic products, etc.
Why are adjuvants used in vaccines?
The use of an adjuvant helps to increase the immune response. Adjuvants can also prove useful in the event of a virus mutation, since they can encourage an increased immune efficiency.
How are the Pandemrix® and Panenza® vaccines administered?
Pandemrix®
The doses are administered as follows:
| Age category |
Dose(s) to administer |
| < 6 months |
No vaccination |
| 6 months-9 years included |
2 x ½ dose (interval of at least 3 weeks) |
| 10-60 years included |
1 single dose |
| From 61 years |
1 single dose |
| Immunosuppressed people |
2 x 1 dose (interval of at least 3 weeks) |
Panenza®
The doses are administered as follows:
| Age category |
Dose(s) to administer |
| < 6 months |
No vaccination |
| 6-23 months included |
2 x ½ dose (interval of at least 3 weeks) |
| Pregnant women |
1 single dose |
People having had an organ transplant
Less than 60 years of age
From 60 years of age |
1 single dose
2 x 1 dose (interval of at least 3 weeks) |
According to the evolution of the virus and the results of clinical trials underway, these recommandations could be adapted.
Adults
The injection is administered into the upper arm.
Children
A half dose is injected on two occasions, with an interval of at least three weeks. For little children, the injection is administered into the thigh.
(State of knowledge February 2010)
What are the possible side effects of the vaccination?
On the basis of knowledge gained from vaccination against seasonal influenza as well as from clinical trials on the vaccine against the influenza A(H1N1), already accomplished or underway, it appears that the latter produces only minor side effects.
It generally involves benign reactions such as a redness at the injection site, headaches, muscular or joint pains as well as a mild fever. In most vaccinated people, these symptoms disappear spontaneously and last no more than one or two days. Serious complications are the exception.
During the first six weeks of the vaccination campaign in Luxembourg, doctors informed the Direction de la santé (Health Direction) that 12 vaccinated people have presented the following side effects:
- 5 cases of muscular pain over a period of 1 to 3 weeks;
- 4 cases of flu-like symptoms;
- 2 cases of neurological disorder;
- 1 case of high temperature during two days.
The free telephone number informing about the A(H1N1) influenza – 8002 80 80 – has registered 75 calls from vaccinated people having mostly had the following side effects: muscular pain at the injection site, headache, tiredness, flu-like symptoms, nausea and two allergic reactions for which no hospital treatment was necessary.
(State of knowledge March 2010)
How much time does it take for the vaccination to be efficient?
The vaccine takes effect 10 to 14 days after its administration.
(State of knowledge March 2010)
Will the vaccine be available to the entire population?
The objective of the government is to make the vaccination available to the entire population. In Luxembourg, vaccination is not compulsory and it is free of charge.
Given that the supply of vaccines will be staggered over several months, it has been necessary to define priorities in terms of vaccination.
Who was eligible for priority vaccination?
Upon the opinion of the Superior Hygiene Council (Conseil supérieur d’hygiène), the following people are among the groups to have been vaccinated first and foremost in Luxembourg:
- health workers;
- personnel taking care of infants less than 6 months old;
- people suffering from a serious chronic illness between 6 months and 64 years (chronic respiratory illness, including asthma; chronic cardiovascular illness; chronic metabolic disorder, including in particular diabetes; chronic renal or hepatic illness; immune deficiency, congenital or acquired; chronic neurological or muscular disease; haemoglobinopathy; or any other condition affecting the immune system or impacting upon the respiratory system, including in particular morbid obesity);
- children aged 6 months and older, requiring long-term salicylic acid (aspirin) therapy;
- pregnant women, from their second term of pregnancy onwards;
- family circle of infants less than 6 months old;
- family circle of persons affected by immunosuppression.
Is the vaccine against seasonal influenza effective against influenza A(H1N1) and vice versa?
The vaccine against seasonal influenza does not offer any protection against influenza A(H1N1); vice versa, the vaccine against influenza A(H1N1) does not protect against seasonal influenza.
Is vaccination against influenza A(H1N1) as well as against seasonal influenza advisable?
It is recommended that certain people get vaccinated against influenza A(H1N1) and against seasonal influenza, on account of their age and/or the pathologies that they present. It is advisable to get a medical opinion on this subject.
Can the vaccines against influenza A(H1N1) and against seasonal influenza be administered simultaneously?
It is not recommended to get vaccinated simultaneously (during the same session and in two different parts of the body) against influenza A(H1N1) and against seasonal influenza. An interval of a minimum of 21 days must be respected between the administration of the vaccine against influenza A(H1N1) and the administration of the vaccine against seasonal influenza.
Which interval should be respected between vaccination against influenza A(H1N1) and against seasonal influenza?
In order to guarantee optimal protection, an interval of at least three weeks should be respected between vaccination against influenza A(H1N1) and vaccination against seasonal influenza.
Are the Pandemrix® and Panenza® vaccines available from pharmacies?
The Pandemrix® and Panenza® vaccines will not be available from pharmacies as they are multidose packaged.
(State of knowledge March 2010)
Maisons relais, foyers scolaires and crèches
What prevention system is in place for the start of the new school year?
The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Family Affairs and Integration are working together closely to inform those in charge of maisons relais (nurseries), foyers scolaires (day-care facilities) and crèches on the preventive measures to adopt in matters of influenza A(H1N1), which are identical to those adopted in schools. (see under "Schools")
Will the maisons relais, foyers scolaires and crèches close down in the case of contamination?
In the event of several children or members of staff presenting influenza symptoms in a maison relais, foyer or crèche, the health authorities will analyse the situation in question and decide on whether or not to close down the establishment, in consultation with the Ministry of Family Affairs and Integration and the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Greater Region.
Staff
What precautions must be taken by staff caring for babies under the age of 6 months?
Infants are particularly susceptible to developing a severe form of influenza A(H1N1). Vaccination against influenza may not be performed under the age of 6 months and the only means of protecting babies is therefore to prevent the virus from circulating in their immediate surroundings. For these reasons, it is recommended that staff caring for babies under the age of 6 months be vaccinated against influenza A(H1N1).
A member of staff who is not vaccinated and who has in his or her family environment a person sick with influenza A(H1N1) must stay at home for at least 7 days, even if he or she does not exhibit any symptoms of the illness.
A sick member of staff must stay at home and via telephone contact his or her attending doctor to discuss what measures to adopt. The diagnosis of influenza A(H1N1) is no longer confirmed by laboratory test (unless otherwise indicated) and a medical examination is sufficient to establish the diagnosis. In the event of a (presumed or confirmed) diagnosis of an influenza A(H1N1) infection, the sick person must stay at home for at least 7 days from the first appearance of symptoms. After this period, which is not shortened through the taking of medication, the member of staff may return to work, provided he or she no longer has any fever.
In care facilities for infants, it is very important that the basic hygiene rules are respected, simple acts that minimise the risks of infection.
What precautions must be taken by staff caring for children aged from 6 to 24 months?
A member of staff who is not vaccinated and who has in his or her family environment a person sick with influenza A(H1N1) must stay at home for at least 7 days, even if he or she does not exhibit any symptoms of the illness.
A sick member of staff must stay at home and via telephone contact his or her attending doctor to discuss what measures to adopt. The diagnosis of influenza A(H1N1) is no longer confirmed by laboratory test (unless otherwise indicated) and a medical examination is sufficient to establish the diagnosis. In the event of a (presumed or confirmed) diagnosis of an influenza A(H1N1) infection, the sick person must stay at home for at least 7 days from the first appearance of symptoms. After this period, which cannot be shortened through the taking of medication, the member of staff may return to work, provided he or she no longer has any fever.
In care facilities for children aged from 6 to 24 months, it is very important that the basic hygiene rules are respected, simple acts that minimise the risks of infection.
Parents
What to do if a child exhibits symptoms in a care facility?
A child exhibiting influenza symptoms in a care facility will be sent home.
The child will be isolated from other children, while remaining, if possible, under the supervision of an adult until one of his or her parents is able to pick him or her up. It is recommended that the sick child be provided with a surgical mask.
How long must a sick child stay at home?
If their child is sick, parents must via telephone contact their attending doctor to discuss what measures to adopt.
The diagnosis of influenza A(H1N1) is no longer confirmed by laboratory test (unless otherwise indicated) and a medical examination is sufficient to establish the diagnosis. In the event of a (presumed or confirmed) diagnosis of an influenza A(H1N1) infection, the sick child must stay at home for at least 7 days from the first appearance of symptoms. After this period, which cannot be shortened through the taking of medication, the child may once again attend the care facility, provided he or she no longer has any fever.
The child’s parents are asked to inform the management of the care facility of the situation. This information is provided on a voluntary basis, but an appeal is made to the responsibility of the parents and their solidarity with regard to the wellbeing of the collective body of the care facility.
Schools
What prevention system is in place for the start of the new school year?
The Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Health have jointly drawn up information material regarding influenza and the appropriate preventive measures for schools.
The information and public awareness material, handed out to teachers, pupils and their parents from the start of the new school year, repeats the basic hygiene rules and the approach to adopt in the event of a manifestation of influenza symptoms.
Awareness actions are foreseen in both fundamental and secondary school establishments.
Will the school establishments close down in the case of contamination?
In the event of several children or teachers presenting influenza symptoms in a fundamental or secondary school, the health authorities will analyse the situation in question and decide on whether or not to send home a class or close down the establishment, while informing the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Greater Region of such.
If courses cannot be held, a long-distance learning method is provided by means of the intranet portal "mySchool!" hosted by the Centre de technologie de l’éducation. The "mySchool!" portal provides "virtual learning communities", enabling teachers and pupils to communicate and work together in a customised and secure environment.
Teaching staff
What must a member of the teaching staff do if exhibiting influenza symptoms?
A member of the teaching staff exhibiting influenza symptoms must stay at home. He or she must via telephone contact his or her attending doctor to discuss what measures to adopt.
The diagnosis of influenza A(H1N1) is no longer confirmed by laboratory test (unless otherwise indicated) and a medical examination is sufficient to establish the diagnosis. In the event of a (presumed or confirmed) diagnosis of an influenza A(H1N1) infection, the sick person must stay at home for at least 7 days from the first appearance of symptoms.
The submission of a medical certificate after 3 days of sick leave remains in effect.
In the event of a diagnosis of influenza A(H1N1), the sick teacher shall inform the president of the school commission thereof (fundamental education) or the management of the secondary school establishment. This information is provided on a voluntary basis, but an appeal is made to the responsibility of the teacher and his or her solidarity with regard to the wellbeing of the collective school body.
What to do if a pupil exhibits symptoms at school?
A pupil exhibiting influenza symptoms will be sent home.
The pupil will be isolated from other children, while remaining, if possible, under the supervision of an adult until one of his or her parents is able to pick him or her up. It is recommended that the sick child be provided with a surgical mask.
Parents
What must parents do if their child exhibits influenza symptoms?
If their child is sick, parents must via telephone contact their attending doctor to discuss what measures to adopt.
In the event of a (presumed or confirmed) diagnosis of an influenza A(H1N1) infection, the parents shall inform the school commission thereof (fundamental education) or the management of the secondary school establishment. This information is provided on a voluntary basis, but an appeal is made to the responsibility of the parents and their solidarity with regard to the wellbeing of the collective school body.
How long must a sick pupil stay at home?
The diagnosis of influenza A(H1N1) is no longer confirmed by laboratory test (unless otherwise indicated) and a medical examination is sufficient to establish the diagnosis. In the event of a (presumed or confirmed) diagnosis of an influenza A(H1N1) infection, the sick pupil must stay at home for at least 7 days from the first appearance of symptoms. After this period, which cannot be shortened through the taking of medication, the pupil may once again attend school, provided he or she no longer has any fever.
As for any absence due to illness, a medical certificate must be submitted to the school after the third day of absence.
A certificate of non-contagiousness can in no case be required as a condition for readmitting the child to school.
Businesses
What are the repercussions of an influenza pandemic on a business?
Given the propagation of the virus and in anticipation of the significant number of sick people, a substantial disruption to the activity within the business has to be expected.
The main repercussions could be the following:
- reduction in workforce numbers present in the workplace;
- the simultaneous unavailability of several directors, managers or specialised staff;
- supply difficulties as a result of absences due to illness of the suppliers or sub-contractors.
How can a business prepare itself for a pandemic?
It is recommended that employers, who are first in line to ensure a healthy workplace for their employees, draw up a Business Continuity Plan (BCP). This logistical plan must foresee both specific organisation methods (work organisation, flexible time management…) and the protection of the employees in their workplace.
Must sick employees stay at home?
Any employees sick with influenza A(H1N1) should stay at home until the symptoms have fully resolved. No employer has the right to dismiss a sick person with immediate effect.
Is an employee obliged to inform his or her employer if a member of his or her family is sick?
The employer has no right to interfere with the private life of an employee and can therefore not insist that he or she be informed of whether an employee’s family member is affected by influenza A(H1N1).
What collective protective measures are to be taken?
Common workplace spaces must be maintained on a daily basis and thoroughly cleaned. The same applies to bathroom installations (toilets, wash basins…) as well as any work surfaces and equipment (desks, computers…).
It is important to air rooms regularly. For buildings equipped with a simple mechanical ventilation system, ventilation must be maintained and the doors kept shut. In the event of a central air-conditioning system, the supply of outside air must be maintained and if possible the recycling of air reduced, if not stopped.
What individual protective measures are to be taken?
It is important that businesses also respect the basic hygiene rules:
- Hands must be washed several times a day for at least 30 seconds with soap. An alternative way to wash hands when water and soap are not available is to use water or alcohol-based solutions. The volume to be used varies from one product to the next. Enough product needs to be applied so that hands remain moist for approximately 15 seconds.
- Cough in a hygienic manner by using a paper handkerchief, throw it into the rubbish after use and wash hands. If no paper handkerchief is available, cough or sneeze into the hollow of the elbow and not in the hands. This will stop the virus from being transmitted via hands.
- Avoid body contact, such as hugging, kissing, embracing, shaking hands, etc.
In order to be able to respect these basic hygiene rules, the employer must provide employees with the following basic products:
- water, liquid soap and disposable paper towels;
- water or alcohol-based solution for washing hands if no water and liquid soap are available;
- rubbish bins.
The employer must ensure these products are available in sufficient quantities.
Can a business hold a stock of surgical masks and gloves?
The employer may deem it necessary to suggest or impose the wearing of surgical masks on all or some of his or her employees, depending on risk assessment.
The surgical mask is reserved for sick people so that they avoid contaminating their surroundings. Wearing a mask reduces the emission of the virus into the air. The mask must be changed as soon as it becomes moist, at least every 2 to 3 hours. It must be thrown into the rubbish immediately after use.
Protective gloves are to be provided for people in charge of collecting rubbish and emptying bins.
Each employer is responsible for acquiring this individual protection equipment (IPE).
Can a business stock antiviral drugs?
Antiviral drugs (Tamiflu® or Relenza®) cannot be purchased, stocked or distributed by employers, since these drugs are supplied on prescription only, i.e. they are prescribed by a doctor in the case of illness and on an individual basis.
It is essential to avoid self-medication in order to limit the risks of the virus developing a resistance to these drugs.
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