The Integral Connection

Everyone is closely monitoring the Swine Flu situation.  Below is some general information about Swine Flu:

What is swine flu?
Swine Flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine flu virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

How does swine flu spread?
Spread of the swine flu virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?
No. Swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine flu from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Sick Employees Are Not To Work

Given the reports of the Swine Flu outbreak in parts of Mexico and other parts of the world, we need to take basic precautions to ensure our restaurants are extra careful with food handling practices as well as ensure that no employees are permitted to work if they are feeling ill. Therefore, please keep the following in mind and speak to your employees during upcoming pre-shift meetings.

*         Make sure everyone washes their hands at the beginning and throughout their shift as well as uses hand sanitizer, in keeping with restaurant policies.

*         Do not permit an employee to work who is ill and/or displays the following symptoms or may have had direct contact with a family member/significant other who is sick and displaying the following symptoms or conditions:

* Diarrhea
* Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue
* Vomiting
* Pneumonia, respiratory failure

All employees are expected to immediately report any of the conditions specified above, including symptoms, diagnosis and other potential high-risk situations. Likewise all employees are expected to following good hygiene practices including proper hand-washing procedures.