H1N1 has become the first pandemic in over forty years, and it has many characteristics that make it unlike a typical seasonal flu. How severe it will be remains to be seen. With the flu season now upon us, it is a good time to review H1N1 concerns and procedures.

Last week, Chapter 293 leaders received a briefing from Carl Schilling, Program Manager in the SEC’s Office of the Executive Director, regarding the SEC’s H1N1 policies. From this briefing, it is clear that the SEC agrees with the following recommendations from the CDC:

• Employees should wait 24 hours after a fever has subsided before returning to work;

• Plan for and use basic hygiene precautions such as frequent hand washing, cough etiquette and keeping surfaces clean;

• Plan for and use social distancing precautions such as telework, staggered work schedules, eliminating unnecessary socializing and communicating via e-mail or phone to reduce close contact between workers and others;

• Reduce the number of other people entering the workplace and the frequency or time that workers need to have close contact with them;

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spread of germs;

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people; and

• Personal protective equipment like face shields and facemasks should be provided to employees as needed.

Earlier this month, NTEU participated in a conference with OPM Director John Berry, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Department of Labor and various White House officials, which highlighted some of the developing policies that will guide federal agencies when dealing with outbreaks of the H1N1 virus.

Dr. James Lawler, the Director for Medical Preparedness Policy on the White House’s National Security Staff, confirmed that federal health officials have been closely monitoring the H1N1 virus. Officials focused on H1N1's behavior in the U.S. during the spring and summer months, particularly in the American southeast, as well as the disease’s behavior throughout South America during the southern hemisphere’s flu season. The belief that H1N1 could reach pandemic levels is not as pervasive as once thought. Dr. Lawler indicated that the virus’s behavior does not mirror that of the 1918 and 1957 flu epidemics, something that officials had previously feared. He warned, however, that because of H1N1's erratic propagation pattern, what is now a favorable outlook could change rapidly.

Dr. Lawler explained that the disease is affecting young adults and children at a much higher rate than the elderly. This contrasts with seasonal influenza, which typically hits those over 65 years of age hardest. While the elderly have not been as likely to contract H1N1, when they do in fact become infected they are more likely to experience harsher hospitalizations.

From August 30 through October 10, states reported almost 5,000 laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu to the CDC. Approximately 19% of those were 0-4 years old; 25% were 5-18 years old; 9% were 19-24 years old; 24% were 25-49 years old; 15% were 50-64 years old; and 7% were over 65. During the same period, there were 292 laboratory-confirmed deaths. Approximately 3% of those were 0-4; 14% were 5-18; 7% were 19-24; 32% were 25-49; 32% were 50-64; and 12% were over 65.

Thomas Galassi, the Director of Technical Support and Emergency Management, related his view that federal agencies should integrate pandemic planning into their existing safety and health systems. This integration would include management leadership and employee participation; hazard identification and assessment; hazard prevention and control; education and training; and system evaluation and improvement.

John Berry, the Director of OPM, stressed his belief that federal agencies would do well to expand telework opportunities for employees, focusing on “common sense” management practices when dealing with leave issues or employee protections. Dr. Lawler also agreed with OPM Director Berry by stating his belief that federal agencies should demonstrate common sense in, for example, not requiring employees to present doctor’s notes if they, or their family members, become infected with the H1N1 virus or even if they believe they are symptomatic.

All SEC employees should be sure to submit an ad hoc telework application in advance. If there is an outbreak, this will allow employees to continue to perform their duties seamlessly.

It is particularly important for employees who are in high risk groups, or who are regularly exposed to someone in a high risk group, to be sure to have an ad hoc telework form on file. The agency has told the Union that the telework requests of such employees will be liberally permitted if necessary. High risk groups include pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum, adults over 65 years of age, children younger than two years of age, and persons with chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders, or any disorder that can compromise respiratory function, or immunosuppression. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure.

NTEU will continue to monitor the H1N1 situation closely. The Union is working with the SEC on this issue, and will provide additional information as it develops. If you have a personal issue that arises related to H1N1, please do not hesitate to contact your Union steward.