# 3733
A report making its way across the news wires this afternoon suggests that those infected with the H1N1 virus may shed the virus – and be infectious – for a week or longer.
The guidance from the CDC for staying home, and not going to work or school, has been scaled back from at least 7 days or 24 hours after symptoms disappear – to 24 hours after fever is gone (without using fever reducing drugs).
Which means that some people may be returning to work or school following an illness while still shedding the virus.
Whether this really makes much of a difference is debatable.
It it is believed that people can shed the flu virus for to 24 hours before ever showing symptoms – and that some may carry the virus asymptomatically, and spread the virus to others - without ever falling ill themselves (see They Walk Among Us ).
All of which makes it virtually impossible to keep the virus out of the schools and workplace. Since you can’t tell who is shedding the virus and who isn’t, the only real defense (until the vaccine is available) is to practice good flu hygiene.
Hand washing
Alcohol Sanitizers
Disinfecting Surfaces
And Covering coughs & sneezes
This information is important though, because anyone who has recently had a bout of this flu could certainly take steps to avoid exposing high risk individuals, even if they are generally considered `safe’ to return to work or school.
HCWs (Health Care Workers) who are dealing with a particularly vulnerable population might want to consider a more conservative approach as well.
Personally, I would seriously consider wearing a surgical mask for a few days after I’d `recovered’ from this flu when around young kids, pregnant women, or anyone with in a high risk group.
But that’s just me. Primum non nocere.
This report from the AP.
Swine flu spreads week or more after symptoms
New research says people need to be careful for longer than thought
SAN FRANCISCO - New studies show that many people spread swine flu for a week or more after symptoms first appear, and doctors say coughing may be a better sign than fever for telling who is contagious.
