Flu Prevention Brochure

Flu Prevention and Treatment How to take action against the seasonal flu and a flu pandemic

Your health matters Dear Colleagues, Influenza is a disease that recurs annually and affects not only the elderly and chronically ill, but also fit and healthy individuals. In addition to the flu vaccine, which Nestlé has made available to its employees in many markets, there are other measures you can take to protect yourself, and your families, against the flu. Many of these simple measures can also be applied to minimize the spread of the avian flu, if it spreads to human beings. The avian flu, or “bird flu”, has been discussed for some time now and is a regular topic in the news. This brochure explains the similarities and differences between a seasonal flu outbreak and a flu pandemic in terms of prevention and treatment. Some time ago, Nestlé set up a task force devoted to monitoring the evolution of the bird flu and of an eventual human pandemic. This task force has developed an emergency plan for a flu pandemic and has helped Nestlé Markets implement it at the local level. In the event of a flu pandemic, Nestlé is well-equipped to provide its employees with the best possible support and to inform them, in good time, of any steps they need to take.

Francisco Castañer Executive Vice President

General Information What is the flu or influenza?

Please note that the following information is intended solely to supplement the information available from health

What is the flu?

officials. It is imperative

The flu (influenza) is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from human to human, mainly through coughing, sneezing or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Outbreaks of the flu usually occur in winter.

that you observe the instructions issued by your national health authorities.

What is a flu pandemic? A flu pandemic is not the same as the seasonal outbreak of flu. An outbreak of flu can escalate into a global epidemic once it affects an unusually large number of people or occurs over wide areas. A flu pandemic is triggered when a new, highly infectious flu virus affects a large number of people worldwide within a short period of time. What is the difference between the flu and a cold?

Flu also called influenza

Cold also referred to as a viral infection, or the sniffles

Onset of illness

Slow, gradual worsening

Sudden onset of symptoms, rapid deterioration, outbreak of influenza in the region

Symptoms The entire body is affected

Generally local (respiratory tract: runny nose, nasal congestion, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, tonsillitis)

Fever

High (over 38°C), chills, sweating spells

Slight temperature

Other possible symptoms

Bad headache, aching muscles and joints, severe fatigue, weakness, severe sore throat and difficulty swallowing

Symptoms are similar but milder

Complications

Severe complications such as pneu- monia, meningitis and inflammation of the heart muscle may occur

Rare

World Health Organization Pandemic classification system

Phase 1 No new influenza subtypes detected in humans. Risk of human infection considered low.

What is the avian (bird) flu? How can it lead to a flu pandemic?

Phase 2 No new influenza subtypes detected in

Avian flu (also known as bird flu) is caused by influenza viruses that occur among birds. Different subtypes of these viruses exist. The virus that currently poses a potential health threat is H5N1. Highly pathogenic, H5N1 is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. Most cases of H5N1 influenza infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or surfaces contaminated with secretion/excretions from infected birds. Because all influenza viruses have the ability to mutate, it is possible that the H5N1 virus could one day infect humans and become transmittable from person to person. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a pandemic classification system that it uses to declare the phases of a flu pandemic in the event of an alert.

humans. The influenza virus circulating in animals (such as birds) poses higher risk of disease in humans. Phase 3 Human infection(s) with a new subtype but no humanto-human transmission, or only extremely rarely in cases involving close contact. Phase 4 Small cluster(s) involving human-to-human transmission. Only a limited geographic area affected at this stage. Phase 5 Large cluster(s) involving human-to-human transmission. Affected areas still localized. Phase 6 Rapidly increasing and sustained transmission in the general population.

Interpandemic period (between two pandemics)

Pandemic alert

Pandemic

What precautionary measures can I take ?

Example of emergency kit: Basic food supply, (non-perishable) extra food supply (chocolate, biscuits...), water, tea/ coffee, shelf-stable milk, soups, cereals, toilet paper, hygienic supplies, soap, disinfectant solutions, thermometer, masks (count

What precautionary measures can I take?

3/person/day, surgical typ

Some of the measures you can take to protect yourself and others from the seasonal flu will also serve to protect you in the event of a flu pandemic. These are listed below.

for 10 days), paracetamol, acetylcysteine, oral rehydration solutions could be useful, spare cash.

Personal hygiene

Seasonal flu

Flu pandemic

Wash hands frequently, especially before preparing food and after eating. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Use disposable tissues only. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, preferably with a disposable tissue or into your sleeve.

Same

Vaccination The annual flu vaccination offers effective protection against the seasonal flu. Nestlé offers the flu vaccination free of charge to its employees through local medical services. Stockpiling If a person contracts the flu despite having antiviral drugs been vaccinated, he or she can consult a doctor who will recommend the appropriate treatment or prescribe flu antivirals.

Stocking of antiviral drugs (e.g. Tamiflu or Relenza) is primarily a government responsibilty. Nestlé maintains close contacts with local health authorities to ensure the availability of drug quantities required for Nestlé employees and their families living in the same household in the event of a flu pandemic.

Supplies Not necessary

In many countries national authorities take precautions to protect their population. In addition, everyone should plan ahead and be prepared for eventual supply shortages. It is recommended that you keep supplies in stock to last your household for at least three weeks. Supplies should include non-perishable food, beverages/water and hygiene products. Do not forget your usual medication (under prescription).

Currently, no commercially available vaccine exists to protect humans against the H5N1 virus. A vaccine cannot be produced until a new pandemic influenza virus emerges and is identified. The development of the vaccine can take up to six months.

How should I react in the event of a flu pandemic ? Avoid direct contact

Note that most of these simple measures can also be applied during the flu season in order to reduce

In the event of a flu pandemic, national authorities will issue appropriate instructions for the local situation. Please follow these instructions and stay informed. As soon as a new vaccine is available, you will get instructions from your national authorities. Generally speaking, everyone can help contain the spread of a flu pandemic and reduce the risk of becoming infected by taking the precautions listed below. 1. Avoid direct contact with other people • Avoid

crowds (public transport, restaurants, meetings, lifts, cinemas, department stores, markets, private visits, etc.). • Avoid shaking hands or hugging as a form of greeting. • Meetings: conduct business by phone, e-mail or video-conferencing if possible. • If you must hold a meeting, keep it brief and make sure people can be spaced at least one meter apart. Hold the meeting in a large room. • Postpone business and personal travel, conferences, workshops, training courses, etc. • Where feasible, work from home in consultation with your line manager. • Restrict shopping to an absolute minimum and shop at uncrowded times. Where feasible, shop online or by phone. • People who have been diagnosed with the flu or who have flu symptoms should stay home to protect others from infection. If you have been exposed to a person who has the flu, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

the spread of the virus amongst your family and to protect you from infected persons.

How should I react in the event of a flu pandemic ? Personal hygiene

Note that most of these simple measures can also be applied during the flu season in order to reduce

2. Personal hygiene Bear in mind that the flu virus is not only transmittable from person to person, but also through exposure to contaminated surfaces (such as railings and door handles). • It

is therefore important to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water (or with an alcohol-based disposable tissue or cleaning gel) and – equally important – to dry them well. • Washing your hands is especially important: before preparing food and after eating, after coughing or sneezing, blowing your own or your child’s nose, using the toilet or contact with sick people (for example, when attending to them). • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. • Use disposable tissues only – and dispose of them immediately after blowing your nose. • Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, preferably with a disposable tissue or into your sleeve. • When you get home: take your shoes and coat off as soon as you enter the doorway and wash your hands. • Clean daily the surfaces that you touch most often (kitchen and bathroom surfaces, door handles). • Do not share your plates, glasses or cutlery with others when eating. • Make sure the rooms of your home are well ventilated. 3. Masks There is very little research about the effectiveness of masks in protecting people in public settings. However, using a surgical face mask correctly and consistently could help reduce the spread of a flu pandemic. Be advised that no single action provides complete protection. Therefore, wearing a mask should be viewed as an additional precautionary measure only.

the spread of the virus amongst your family and to protect you from infected persons.

Flu pandemic What should I do if I get sick anyway ?

Where can I find more information ? Authorities and institutions • World Health Organization:

What should I do if I get sick anyway? • Contact

your doctor. Note that antiviral drugs (e.g. Tamiflu or Relenza) should be taken within 36 hours after the onset of the first symptoms. • Stay at home to avoid infecting others. • Follow hygiene precautions scrupulously. • Avoid contact with uninfected persons, particularly infants, small children and persons with chronic health conditions. • Use disposable tissues only and dispose of them in plastic bags immediately after use. • Drink plenty of fluids. • Avoid physical activity; bed rest is best. • As usual, follow the instructions on your doctor’s prescription or in the patient information leaflet when taking any medicine, even pain relievers or fever reducers. • Take your prescription medicine regularly. • Follow the national recommendations.

www.who.int/csr/disease/ influenza/pandemic/en • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA: www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic • Swiss Federal Office for Public Health: www.bag.admin.ch • Other information services: www.influenza.ch www.grippe.ch

Human Pandemic Task Force Nestlé is prepared

Nestlé will remain in close contact with local health authorities at all times and will update employees in

Nestlé is prepared A human pandemic task force has been created at Group level in order to ensure that Nestlé is prepared to act effectively in the event of a human pandemic outbreak. This task force has developed a common set of actions (preparedness plan) for implementation in all Nestlé Markets, with a view to: • Limiting the impact of an outbreak on employees and their families (illness, death, social consequences); • Maintaining essential operations and services; • Maintaining the safety and quality of products sold; • Limiting the impact on Nestlé business. In the event that the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declares the next level of alert (Phase 4), Nestlé will inform you of specific measures being implemented in your Market and recommendations to follow. These will include the following (non-exhaustive) list of issues: – Ongoing monitoring and communication of epidemiological states of alert; – Reinforced hygiene and other precautionary measures; – Guidance on personal behaviour in case of symptoms (yourself or within your family); Access to medication including antiviral drugs; – – Guidelines on work attendance, travel, visitors; – Guidelines for families (food, water, thermometers, etc.); – Testing of contingency plans and training of back-ups for essential positions, etc.

a timely fashion as the situation evolves.

© 2007, Nestec Ltd., Vevey (Switzerland) Visual concept and design: Nestec Ltd., SGDU, Corporate Identity & Design and www.scholldesign.com/ Illustrations: Gregory Gilbert-Lodge