The symptoms of Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 are:
i. Fever
ii. Cough or sore throat
iii. Body aches
iv. Headache, chills and fatigue
v. In some cases, vomiting and diarrhoea
Complications of the disease include pneumonia and difficulty in breathing. Death may occur in persons who have other medical problems or complications.
How does Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 spread?
i. Influenza viruses are mainly spread from one person to another through droplets released during coughing or sneezing;
ii. Sometimes people may become infected by touching surfaces or holding objects contaminated with influenza viruses (e.g., hands, door handles , handkerchiefs, tissue paper) and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.
How is Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 managed?
i. There is no vaccine available at the moment; however, studies are being conducted to produce a vaccine;
ii. Antivirals (medicines used for managing infection with a virus), can be usedto treat the disease . Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is one of the effective medicines currently being used;
iii. Antiviral medicines work better if started soon after getting sick (within two days of appearance of symptoms);
iv. Those treated with antivirals usually recover fully; so far, no resistance to the recommended medicines for Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 virus has been documented;
v. Health workers should make treatment decisions based on clinical and epidemiological assessment. Particular attention should be paid to patients with complications.
vi. WHO does not recommend the use of antivirals for mass prophylaxis.
If a person is in contact with or likely to be exposed to a sick person, how can he avoid being infected?
i. Regular washing of hands with soap and water is strongly recommended;
ii. Hand rubbing with alcohol is also advised where available
iii. Keep a distance of at least one step (one meter) from the infected person to avoid coming into contact with the influenza droplets;
iv. If contact with a sick person or with potentially infected surfaces or objects occurs, those involved must not touch their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
v. Close contact with a sick person should be avoided; people are advised to refrain from handshaking, kissing or hugging during an outbreak;
vi. Those taking care of a sick person should use a face mask in accordance with guidelines provided by national health authorities;vii. It is advisable to be physically active, drink plenty of fluids, eat we ll, reduce stress and have enough sleep.
What can infected individuals do to prevent spreading Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 to others?
i. They should cover their mouth with a piece of cloth or tissue paper when sneezing or coughing; the used tissue should be properly disposed of while the cloth should be washed with soap, dried and replaced as often asrequired;
ii. The infected person should wear a mask when in contact with others;
iii. Tissue paper, handkerchief or other material used by the sick person for wiping his nose or mouth, must not be used by others;
iv. If there is no tissue paper or cloth, the sick person should cover his face with his arm before sneezing or coughing, and not use his hands to contaminate surfaces or things that may be touched or held by others;
v. Hands should be washed with soap and water especially after sneezing, or coughing, and before touching door handles and other objects or surfaces so as to prevent contamination with droplets;
vi. Sick persons should stay at home and limit contact with others as much as possible.
vii. People should seek treatment immediately if infection is suspected, if symptoms occur or when advised by a health worker.
What should communities do to help prevent the spread of Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009?
i. Ensure community members know how to limit the spread of influenza, the symptoms of the disease and what to do if infection occurs;
ii. Ensure provision of care for those infected;
iii. Support social distancing, isolation or quarantine when requested by a health worker (or as determined by health authorities);
iv. Establish contact with the nearest health facility that will provide support in managing the disease;
v. Report suspected cases and deaths to a health worker or other relevant authority.
For more information about Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 , contact the Regional Office Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 Crisis Management Team (Dr Yada –yadaa@afro.who.int ) and visit the websites www.who.int or http://www.cdc.gov/.
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