INFORMATION ON THE INFLUENZA A (H1N1) VIRUS

WHAT IS THE INFLUENZA A (H1N1) VIRUS?

This is a new type of influenza or “flu” virus that is currently causing outbreaks of disease in people in several countries. It spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Occasionally, people may become infected by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, and then touching their own mouth or nose.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INFLUENZA A (H1N1) VIRUS INFECTION?

The symptoms appear to be similar to those of regular human seasonal flu, and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, lethargy, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with this virus.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM THE INFLUENZA A (H1N1) VIRUS?

Protective measures to avoid getting or spreading the influenza A (H1N1) virus are the same as for seasonal flu, and most other respiratory infections. They include:
o Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective & available in our washrooms.
o Encouraging all people to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze with a tissue, handkerchief or a sleeve. Do not cover your mouth with a bare hand: your hand may become infected and facilitate virus transmission to others.
o Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
o If you become ill, limiting contact with others to avoid infecting them.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM SICK WITH FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS?

If you experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat, you should stay in your home and avoid close contact with others until at least 24 hours after your symptoms are completely gone. Wash your hands frequently, and always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or handkerchief. Wear a simple surgical mask when meeting others. You do not need to rush to the hospital for mild illness. You must, however, inform your family/friends and supervisor at office, by telephone.

If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion and severe or persistent vomiting, you should seek medical care immediately by calling your physician/pre-identified health care facility.

IF I AM ILL, WILL I NEED ANTIVIRAL MEDICINE SUCH AS TAMIFLU?

At this time, most of the influenza A (H1N1) cases appear to be mild, similar to regular seasonal influenza. Therefore you should rest, drink plenty of liquids, and only take medications that you would normally take to treat your symptoms (e.g. of fever, cough, sore throat). Flu patients with additional health risks, such as severe chronic disease (e.g. asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, kidney & liver disease, diabetes, HIV, cancer, etc.) which may lower immunity, should seek treatment from a health care provider, when ill. You should only take antiviral medicine (Tamiflu) for treatment, if prescribed by a doctor. Please do not use Tamiflu for prevention of illness.

WHAT MEASURES SHOULD I TAKE WHILE TRAVELLING?

o One of the most important preventive practices is careful & frequent handwashing.
o Try to avoid close contacts with sick people
o What should I do if I think I may have been exposed to the Influenza A (H1N1) virus?
Ø Monitor your health for seven days
Ø If you become ill with fever and develop a cough or if you develop any illness during this seven day period, inform your health care provider immediately. Stay at home and avoid close contact with others. Wash your hands frequently and always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or handkerchief.
Ø Do not travel while sick

More information can be found at:
http://www.searo.who.int/EN/Section10/Section2562.htm
http://www.searo.who.int