FAST FACTS: What You Should Know About the H1N1 Flu Virus

When is it transmitted?

  • 1 day before and up to 7 days after symptoms first appear
  • most infectious during first 3 days of illness

 

How is transmitted?

Via droplets

  • large droplets generated by sneezing, coughing or talking
  • over a distance of 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 m)

Via contact

  • directly touching an infected human
  • indirectly touching an object contaminated by an infected human or his/her droplets
 

How long does it survive?

On stainless steel and plastic

  • 24 to 48 hours (virus can be transferred to hands up to 24 hours)

On cloth, paper and tissues

  • 8 to 12 hours (virus can be transferred to hands up to 15 minutes)

On hands

  • up to 5 minutes

 

What are the implications?

Increase frequency of disinfection and hand hygiene
Click here for information on protecting your restaurant

 

Has H1N1 affected your establishment? Take our quick online survey!

 
RESOURCES: How to Prevent the Spread of H1N1

To help you mitigate the virus’s impact on your operation, CRFA has compiled a collection of resources.

1. Review CRFA’s Flu Pandemic Preparedness Planning Guide
This comprehensive guide helps foodservice operators plan for a possible influenza pandemic.

2. Read CRFA’s guidelines for specific cleaning practices at restaurants
Learn about cleaning and disinfecting practices to help keep H1N1 out of your restaurant.

3. Download CRFA’s FREE Handwashing Poster  
Reminding people how to wash their hands properly is critical to prevent contagion. Are you and your employees following correct handwashing practices?

4. Find a Vaccination Clinic Near You
Getting vaccinated against H1N1 is a key step in preventing its spread. Use this list to locate the clinic closest to you.

5. Educate Yourself
Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website at www.fightflu.ca for more information on the H1N1 flu virus.

 

Sources and Further Reading

Public Health Agency of Canada’s “Key Facts on H1N1 Flu”
Visit http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/fs-fr_h1n1-eng.php

World Health Organization’s “Influenza A (H1N1): Frequently Asked Questions”
Visit http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/en/index.html