Swine flu pandemic declared; Colorado cases at 75 - Business First of Columbus:

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WHO raised its pandemic warning level for H1N1 fluto six, the highesgt level. RESOURCES: See links and information at the end of this The declaration means infections are spreading aroun the world but is not an indicatioj of how serious thesymptomzs are. Many health experts say swind flu is generally no more or less dangerous that the usua lseasonal flu. The Geneva-basefd agency said 27,737 cases of H1N1 flu has been confirmexd in74 nations, causing at leasg 141 deaths. "At this earlyt stage, the pandemic can be characterized globalluy as being moderatein severity," a WHO statementg said. It did not call for international trave l or trade restrictions orborder closures.
In Colorado, no deaths from H1N1 flu have been In theUnited States, the latestr tally from the federal is 13,217 confirmed cases nationwide and 27 deaths. The only other nations with morethan 1,00p0 confirmed cases are with 5717; Canada, with Chile, with 1,694; and Australia, with WHO reported. The last declared pandemic was the Hong Kong flu outbreak of which killed about 1 millionpeople worldwide, the Associated Pressw reported. The CDC and other health authorities say that thosewith flu-likr symptoms should avoid contactr with others, stay home from work, and seek treatmenrt only if seriously ill.
"It is expected that most people will recover without needingmedical care," the CDC • Cover your nose and mouthb with a tissue when you cough or Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soapand water, especiallu after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaneres are also effective. Try to avoid close contact with sick In May, the Denver-based "Upgrade hygiene protocolse for both office environments and employees including maintenancs of air-conditioning systems and sanitation of common areas such as kitchens, and elevators. "Advise employee to stay home if theyfeel ill.
And to contact their personal physicians if theyhave flu-like symptoms. "Revies leave policies related to illness. Will pay provisions be relaxer to encourage employees to stay at home if they are potentially contagious Assure that your policies do not discourage workers from stayin home ifthey are. "Check and follow health advisories prior to sending employees on business travel to affecte areas or temporarily suspencd travel tothose areas." In the event of a more seriouws turn in the flu outbreak, the MSEC advises thesd actions: "Identify core activities essential for business continuity and the skillxs necessary to stay operational.
Cross-trainingf of employees may be "Explore how work would continuwe if half your workforce is notat work. Absenteeism rates between 20 percent-60 percent coulcd be expected during the heighr ofthe pandemic. "Provide equipment and support for employees to telecommutwe if theirjobs permit. 'Social is a key tactic to limit the spreadc ofthe virus. "Encourage flex hours to avoid overcrowdingthe "Review corporate-wide insurance specifically health, disability, salary continuance, busineszs travel and life insurance related to the Communicate policy provisions to employees.
" Additional information is available from swine-flu websites established by the , the and the . The Coloradop Department of Public Healthband Environment's information line for the swine flu is