Health Tips

Tips to prevent influenza H1N1 patients:-
In line with global efforts to curb the spread of swine flu, the state of California Dental Hygiene Association (CDHA) today's list of simple ways patients and staff in the field of oral health can prevent infection and spread of the disease.

"It is very important that the public sees a link between oral health and prevention of bird flu since the H1N1 virus spreads through the respiratory tract and mouth," said President CDHA, Daphne Von Essen. "The main objective is to control the infection to prevent transmission of the disease - which begins in the mouth."

Most people may not realize how important it is to avoid sharing toothbrushes or allowing them to communicate with each other in the bathroom, she said.

"This is particularly true if a family member contracts the flu," said von Essen. "We advise people to get rid of the old toothbrush and get new ones if they are either sick or getting over the flu."

A second reminder is important to note on the necessary hygiene respiratory / cough etiquette. Centers for Disease Control recommends that people cough directly into the tissue, or elbow shirtsleeve instead of covering their mouths and hands. Always wash your hands afterwards and repeatedly throughout the day.

Health and dental assistants, dentists, and recommends the following CDHA infection control measures during the evaluation of the patient:

- Patients who suffer from the disease in acute respiratory infections and should be sent home or placed in a single room with a patient left the door closed.

- Disposable surgical mask supply for people who cough or the provision of tissues and without touching the receptacle for the disposal of tissues used.

- The sick person should wear a surgical mask when outside the room of the patient.

- Dental health care for the patient and evaluation of staff with influenza like illness should wear a surgical mask disposable, non-sterile gloves, gown, eye protection (for example, goggles) to prevent direct exposure to the skin and in the conjunctiva.

- Check the following Web site on a regular basis and recommendations may change as additional information becomes available here.

- Patients, dentists and health care workers must clean your hands (such as washing hands with non-antimicrobial soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic hand wash) before and after contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects and materials.

- Routine cleaning and disinfection strategies used during the influenza seasons can be applied to the environmental management of swine flu. More information can be found here.

"This flu is serious, but with the appropriate steps, education and dental services, health care professionals and their patients can help prevent the spread of H1N1", said von Essen.

Source:-
California Dental Hygiene Association (CDHA)