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Characteristics
Morphology Member of Family Orthomyxoviridae. Negative sense single-stranded RNA virus. Reassortment of strains of influenza A/H1N1 of avian, porcine and human origin. Virus capsid is enveloped. Virions are spherical to pleomorphic.
Disease

Flu, upper respiratory tract infection. Influenza can occur in pandemics and epidemics, localized outbreaks, and as sporadic cases. In temperate climates, epidemics of influenza typically occur during the late fall and winter seasons, whereas in tropical and subtropical regions influenza epidemics occur throughout the year. Historical evidence suggests that more severe, worldwide pandemics have occurred at 10 to 40 year intervals since the 16th century.
Zoonosis Yes, from swine to humans.
Health Hazards
Host Range
Humans, birds and other mammals (vertebrates).
Modes of Transmission  Droplet infection, fomites, saliva, nasal secretions, feces, aerosol and blood.
Signs and Symptoms  Fever, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea, coughing, vomiting, nausea, lethargy, myalgia, anorexia and dyspnea.
Infectious Dose unknown
Incubation Period  Estimated incubation period is unknown and could range from 1-7 days.
Medical Precautions/Treatment
Prophylaxis Antiviral chemoprohylaxis with antiviral drugs.
Vaccines Seasonal vaccine available.
Treatment Oseltamivir, Zanamivir for seven days after exposure.
Surveillance Daily temperature recording.
MSU Requirements  Report any exposures.
Laboratory Hazards
Laboratory Acquired Infections (LAIs) None reported to date.
 Sources Cultures, frozen stocks, other samples described in IBC protocol.
Supplemental References
Canadian MSDS: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/psds-ftss/index-eng.php
BMBL https://www.cdc.gov/labs/BMBL.html 
CDC https://www.cdc.gov/flu/
NIH Guidelines https://osp.od.nih.gov/wp-content/uploads/NIH_Guidelines.pdf
Risk Group & Containment Requirements
Risk Group 2

Agents that are associated with human disease which is rarely serious and for which preventive or therapeutic interventions are often available.
BSL2
For all procedures involving suspected or known infectious specimen or cultures.
ABSL2
For all procedures utilizing infected animals.
Spill Procedures
Small
Notify others working in the lab. Remove PPE and don new PPE. Cover area of the spill with absorbent material and add fresh 1:10 bleach:water. Allow 20 munutes (or as directed) of contact time. After 20 minutes, cleanup and dispose of materials.
Large
  • Immediately notify all personnel in the lab and clear all personnel from the area. Remove any contaminated PPE/clothing and leave the lab. 
  • Secure the area by locking doors, posting signage and guarding the area to keep people out of the space. 
For assistance, contact MSU's Biosafety Officer (406-994-6733) or Safety and Risk Management (406-994-2711).
Exposure Procedures
Mucous membrane
Flush eyes, mouth, or nose for 5 minutes at eyewash station.
Other Exposures
Wash area with soap and water for 5 minutes.
Reporting
Immediately report incident to supervisor, complete a First Report of Injury form, and submit to Safety and Risk Management.
Medical Follow-up
During business hours: Bridger Occupational Health 3406 Laramie Drive. Weekdays 8am -6pm.  Weekends 9am-5pm
After business hours: Bozeman Deaconess Hospital Emergency Room 915 Highland Blvd Bozeman, MT
Viability
Disinfection Susceptible to 1:10 bleach:water, 70 % ethanol and 5% Lysol
Inactivation Influenza A is sensitive to treatment with heat, lipid solvents, non-ionic detergents, formaldehyde, oxidizing agents. The infectivity is reduced after exposure to irradiation.
Survival Outside Host
Influenza viruses can remain infectious for about one week at human body temperature, over 30 days at 0° C, and indefinitely at very low temperatures
 
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Minimum PPE Requirements
Lab coat, disposable gloves, safety glasses, closed toed shoes, long pants
Additional Precautions
Additioanl PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs and IBC Protocol.