What is Human Swine Influenza?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs that does not normally infect
humans. However cases of human-to-human spread of the virus have been
extensively reported in the media and WHO has confirmed that some of the
cases are a never-before-seen version of the H1N1 strain of influenza type A, an
evolution of bird, swine and human influenza.
Swine flu spreads in the same way as seasonal flu - through coughing and sneezing and the
Health Protection Agency (HPA) are advising people to follow general infection control practices
and good hygiene to reduce transmission.
Products from Arco that can help:
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Byotrol is one of the leading products which may assist in the control of Swine flu. Results from an 11-month independent study at Manchester Royal Infirmary show that the Byotrol cleansing agent has cut levels of MRSA on wards by one third.
Sold through Arco under the brand names Byocare, Byosan, Byocleanse, Byowipe and Byodet, these products provide unique and long lasting protection.
Byotrol products provide long lasting residual efficacy for up to 6 hours on a range of hard surfaces. Click here to see a test of alcohol and regular sanitisers in contrast to those in the Byocare range.
How to reduce transmission in the workplace
During a pandemic a business should seek to reduce the overall and specific risks to members of staff by taking appropriate infection control action.
Good respiratory and hand hygiene will help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes:
Business Continuity Planning
Responsible businesses should be preparing for the impacts of an escalating pandemic by developing business continuity plans. Further advice and guidance on business readiness for emergencies can be found at: Business Link
As a responsible business, we have a robust continuity plan that we will implement should the pandemic affect the way our business runs and operates. This plan ensures that we can continue to operate effectively and efficiently in the event of an escalating situation and any restrictions that may be imposed on us.
Stock AvailabilityAs a result of the rapidly changing situation, the availability of key products in the market has inevitably become stretched. As part of our plan to manage the increased demand, we have already committed an extra £1 million in additional inventory of key products. This will enable us to meet the on-going requirements of our customers. We are working closely with our vendors where lead times are extending by pro-actively increasing stock levels or sourcing alternative products where appropriate.
To assist further we have specific procedures in place, with several key vendors, to deal with exceptionally large demands. These steps will allow us to deal with your enquiries as efficiently and fulfill your requirements as quickly as possible.
Products from Arco that can help:
Good infection control practices are the best defense in the workplace now the focus has moved to managing the spread.
Washing hands often or cleansing with a hand sanitizer will help protect from germs. A variety of preparations are available, including gels, foam and liquid solutions. Antibacterial hand sanitizers are an effective way to wash hands when traditional soap and water are not available. They are particularly useful in controlling the spread of viruses such as swine flu as ease and frequency of use can significantly increase personal hygiene.
If you come into contact with someone carrying the H1N1 virus the HSE currently recommends that a mask offering P3 protection would provide the appropriate level
of protection. Please call your local Arco Branch if you require more information on the best protection.
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Where can I get further advice?
You can find more information, interim recommendations and advice on human swine influenza from any of the following;
Health Protection Agency
World Health Organisation
BBC News
Foreign Office
NHS Direct
For information on Arco health and safety products which would provide
appropriate protection please contact your local Arco branch. Details can be
found at
Arco Branch Locator
Please Note:
This is intended to provide information only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
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