Must Know Facts About Influenza A(H1N1)
Posted on | June 14, 2009 | No Comments
Influenza A(H1N1), or A(H1N1) is a novel kind of flu caused by the A(H1N1) virus. It was first confirmed in Mexico last April 2009 and was initially called “Swine Flu”. Sufficient evidence has shown however that it is not identical to the flu virus that uniquely affects pigs, hence it is now known as A(H1N1). At present, there is still no vaccine against A(H1N1), and it is not susceptible to antibiotics. The seasonal flu vaccine presently available does NOT confer immunity to A(H1N1). Anti-viral medications have been demonstrated to be effective against A(H1N1), but their use must be rationally prescribed by a physician.
As of this document’s date (June 13, 2009), 74 countries have reported a total of 29,669 confirmed cases of A(H1N1), with 145 (~ 0.5%) deaths.
Similar to the seasonal flu, A(H1N1) can be spread by way of aerosol droplets or very small droplets of secretions ejected into the air by an infected person’s coughing or sneezing. Anyone within three feet (3 ft) of a person confirmed to have A(H1N1) can easily catch the virus. A(H1N1) can also spread by contact with surfaces that have been contaminated by the same aerosol droplets from an infected person.
Eating properly cooked pork and pork products will NOT lead to A(H1N1) infection.
What are the signs and symptoms of A(H1N1)?
The signs and symptoms of A(H1N1) are similar to those of seasonal flu. Influenza-like Illness (ILI) presents itself as fever of more than 37.8 degrees C, AND not less than two of the following: cough, colds, nasal congestion, and sore throat.
For a patient to be an A(H1N1) Suspected Case, there should be apart from ILI a history of either (1) recent travel from a country known to have A(H1N1), or (2) close contact (within six feet) with a confirmed case of A(H1N1).
A(H1N1) can only be confirmed by way of laboratory tests on nasopharyngeal swab samples submitted to capable facilities identified by the DOH (in the Philippines).
Why should one bother to know about A(H1N1)?
While there is no need to panic due to A(H1N1), one should still be sufficiently aware of it. At present the signs and symptoms of A(H1N1) have been found to be mild. However, the virus can acquire new virulence factors in the future, specially if it spreads uncontrollably.
What should be done with Suspected Cases of A(H1N1)?
There is no need to panic upon realizing a Suspected Case based on its description as earlier written. Do the following:
- Have the patient wear a surgical mask.
- If the patient is at an office or school, transfer him/her to a well-ventilated room far away from human traffic. Immediately notify office or school authorities.
- Bring the patient to the nearest referral hospital where laboratory samples can be obtained for confirmation. In Metro Manila, these are:
- Alabang, Muntinlupa – Research Institute for Tropical Medicine
- Quezon City – Lung Center of the Philippines
- Manila – San Lazaro Hospital
- Attending physicians will decide based on the patient’s clinical condition if s/he needs to be admitted or not. Proper advice will also be given.
What can be done to avoid A(H1N1)?
Preventive measures against A(H1N1) are literally in our hands:
- Stay at home for ten (10) days if you recently came from abroad or have come into contact with a confirmed A(H1N1) case.
- Make it a habit to regularly wash hands using soap and water for not less than 20 seconds. This time period is approximately the length of two “Happy Birthday” songs.
- Cover your mouth AND nose whenever you cough or sneeze. In the absence of tissue paper or a handkerchief, sneeze or cough into the sleeves of your shirt.
- Stay healthy by eating properly, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive fatigue.
- Disseminate correct and accurate information about A(H1N1). You may copy and pass on reminders such as this note.
For a full-sized, printable poster that contains similar information as this note, click here.
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Prepared by Albert Francis E. Domingo, MD
Sources: WHO; Department of Health; UPM H1N1 Guidelines. Information current as of 6/13/2009.
This public health information flyer should not be used as a substitute for proper medical consultation.
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