Highest Risk Occupations for H1N1 Swine Flu

Many of us are aware of the new flu virus that is making people sick all over the world with sometimes deadly results- the H1N1 virus, also known as the Swine Flu. People in certain occupations are at higher risk of contracting the Swine Flu and also of spreading the virus.

Health Care Worker- As a health care worker you are probably already aware of your increased risk. You may be treating patients with the H1N1 virus, thus becoming exposed. Even if you don't work directly with sick patients, you are still at risk as normally healthy patients become sick, visitors to your facility may be sick, and the co-workers you work closely with may come into work sick.

School teacher/University Professor- While many school teachers who work with children are aware of their increased risk, many college and University professors may not realize they are also at an increased risk. In an average day you likely come into contact with several hundred people and spend hours in an enclosed space with 30 or more children or adults. Having this many people in close proximity to you, and breathing (coughing, sneezing) in your airspace causes your risk of exposure to be extremely high.

Flight Attendant- Your job requires you to spend hours each day in an enclosed space with hundreds of people who won't be staying home if they are sick. Although the air filtration system in aircraft is generally sufficient, it will not likely protect you from the highly contagious flu virus. In addition to exposure by air, you are also touching things that passengers have handled- after wiping their nose, coughing or sneezing in their hand, or changed their baby's diaper. To reduce this risk, wear gloves while collecting trash (cups, pop cans, food trays, ect) from passengers.

Cashier- Working in a grocery or other store as a cashier generally involves you handling money and credit cards. This puts you at a higher risk of infection. Customers lick their fingers before counting out the money to hand you, wipe their nose before handing you money, and sneeze or cough on money in their hand. You then take this germ-ridden money into your hands before putting it into the drawer. You don't get frequent breaks to wash your hands, and if you smoke you are not likely to wash your hands before running out the door to light up. To reduce your risk, use hand sanitizer before touching your face. Keep it on the register so its handy. Also wash your hands whenever you get a chance- especially before eating, smoking, or using the bathroom.

Day Care Provider- This is another obviously high risk occupation. Parents often drop off children and infants who are sick and contagious. Your job includes wiping noses, changing diapers, being in close contact with children and infants who are sneezing and coughing. To reduce your risk of exposure, here are a few things you can do: Wash hands after wiping a nose, changing a diaper, helping a child in the bathroom. Help children wash their hands after using the toilet. Send home any child who is sick- this protects you, your employees, and the other children in the facility.

If your workplace puts you at higher risk of contracting the H1N1 virus, be sure to use preventative measures. Some basic preventative measures include: washing hands before and after using the toilet and before eating, avoid touching your face, use hand sanitizer only if hand washing is impractical, and bolster your immune system by eating a healthy diet and taking multivitamins. I am not currently recommending the H1N1 virus vaccine for many reasons, including the lack of scientific evidence as to the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.