Question:
Which are the updated information and suggestions from WHO about pandemic flu?
Answer:
With global health authorities warning that the H1N1 (swine flu) is likely to become a pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Phase 5 outbreak alert. This is the second-highest level on its threat scale. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and as it continues to spread in the coming days and weeks, we are likely to see the numbers of infected people continue to rise. Clearly all the news about pandemic influenza is creating many questions in the minds of millions so the following questions and answers may be of assistance:
Q. What is H1N1 (swine flu)?
A. The H1N1 flu was originally referred to as the “swine flu.” This is a totally new virus first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. The virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
Q. How easy is it to catch the virus?
A. At this time, medical authorities do not know if it takes prolonged or close contact with an infected person, or if it’s more easily spread. But, in general, flu viruses are spread through uncovered coughs and sneezes. Flu viruses live on surfaces like counters, doorknobs, and currency for two hours or longer and are spread by infected persons touching these items with unwashed hands.
Q. What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?
A. The symptoms of the H1N1 flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and coughing. Some people with this flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Q. How can someone with the H1N1 flu infect someone else?
A. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 days or more after becoming sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is studying the virus and its capabilities to try to learn more and will provide more information as it becomes available.
Q. What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
A. The most important thing is to wash your hands. Try to avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Q. Why have so many people died in Mexico and not in the United States?
A. There is no clear answer to this question at this time. The fact is, we really don’t know how many people truly have died in Mexico from this flu strain. Only a fraction of the suspected deaths have been confirmed as H1N1 flu and some of the early deaths have now been confirmed as being caused by something else.
Q. Are there medications to treat H1N1 flu?
A. Yes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for treatment of the infection. These prescription medications fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. These medications can help to make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of the onset of symptoms).
Q. Is there a vaccine to prevent this new infection?
A. No. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against this new H1N1 virus. If you received a flu shot last fall it does not provide any protection against the H1N1 virus according to the CDC.
Q. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
A. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against this new H1N1 virus and it would take “a few months” according to the CDC to produce a vaccine for this flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these actions to protect your health:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hand.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits such as getting plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Q. What should I do if I get sick?
A. If you exhibit influenza symptoms such as fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, contact your health care provider who will determine if testing or treatment is advised. If it is determined that you do have influenza stay home and avoid contact with other people.
Q. Is it safe to eat pork products?
A. Yes. The H1N1 viruses are not spread through food.
Question:
There is a risk of H1N1 flu contamination on board of airplanes?
Answer:
The airplanes use the HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters that pick up bacteria, fungus and viruses. In addition to the protection offered by these filters, the ventilation system of planes has individual air admissions and exits in each row (radial flow), preventing air from missing up with that of the rest of the cabin. Air’s recirculation is carried out every four minutes.
For these reasons, during a flight, we are less exposed to infecto-contagious diseases than in most public places like subways, buses, cinemas, etc.
Question:
What is the difference between seasonal influenza and H1N1 in terms of risk for the population?
Answer:
One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza, is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of 2009 H1N1 – related complication so far.
Center for Diseases Control (CDC) laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to 2009 H1N1 flu virus.
However, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus.
Re. CDC, 2009 H1N1 Flu.
Question:
Where to find useful information about Pandemia?
Answer:
Nouvelle grippe A/H1N1 Influenza aviaire Grippe "aviaire" A/H5N1 Pandémie grippale L’action de l’État
Answer:
Swine Flu Conference in Washington D.C. USA on 19-21 August 2009.
- http://new-fields.com/ISFC
Please find enclosed information on our upcoming International Swine Flu Conference in Washington, DC on August 19-21, 2009.
In addition to insightful presentations and dynamic panel discussions, you can also choose from over 30 concurrent breakout sessions that includes:
Breakout 1. Mass Fatality Management Planning
Breakout 2. Business Continuity Planning
Breakout 3. Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government Planning
Breakout 4. Emergency Management Services
Breakout 5. Law Enforcement Agencies
Breakout 6. First Responders: Fire Department
Breakout 7. First Responders: Public Works
Breakout 8. 911 Call Center Services
Breakout 9. Hospital and Emergency Medical Services
Breakout 10. Workplace Planning
Breakout 11. School/University Pandemic Planning
Breakout 12. Airlines, Travel, Airport, Quarantine and Border Health Services
Breakout 13. Infectious Medical Waste
Breakout 14. Swine Flu: Agriculture Perspective & Interventions
