USPS and Swine Flu

Source: USPS NewsLink
April 28, 2009

You’ve heard the news that U.S. health officials are investigating a number of cases of swine flu in several areas of the United States, and a Public Health Emergency has been declared by the federal government. All of these U.S. cases have been mild — all of the patients have recovered.

Federal health officials are working to learn as much as possible, as quickly as possible, about this flu. Mexico has reported a more serious outbreak, which has resulted in numerous deaths.

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human influenza. These include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advised the USPS it had no information to suggest that influenza-contaminated mail would pose a significant transmission risk.

So, as federal health officials continue to investigate the swine flu cases, there are common-sense steps all of us can take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the elbow area of your arm.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Flu viruses can spread that way, too.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
• Try to avoid close contact (six feet or less) with people who are ill.
• If you get flu-like symptoms and are worried about them, contact your health care provider.
• If you get sick with influenza or similar symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Additionally, CDC recommends that your family members in the household limit contact with others.

For the most recent information about the human swine flu investigation and to view frequently asked questions and answers, click here to visit the CDC’s Swine Influenza (flu) website.

Thanks to Don Cheney, a PEN reader, for the following information:

CDC advice: “Avoid close contact” and “Stay home when you are sick”

Do Flu Sufferers Qualify for FMLA? Click Here

Employees With Cold or Flu May be Entitled to FMLA Leave Click Here

FMLA: “Serious Health Condition” Being Redefined – Click Here

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Questions and Answers (USPS & APWU) – Click Here

18. Q . Can the flu be considered a serious health condition under the FMLA?
A. Yes, if it complies with the definition of a serious health condition under the FMLA.
Source: 825.114 (c)