What Is Influenza A (h1n1)?

What is Influenza A (H1N1)?

• It is a new virus causing illness in people • It was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States and Mexico • This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread • There is no vaccine yet to protect humans from this virus • Influenza A(H1N1) can be fatal to humans due to severe respiratory distress (pneumonia) • This is a new influenza A(H1N1) virus that has never before circulated among humans. This virus is not related to previous or current human seasonal influenza viruses.

2. Increase your body’s resistance • Have at least 8 hours of sleep • Be physically active • Manage your stress • Drink plenty of fluids • Eat nutritious food, especially fruits and vegetables

How do people become infected with the virus?

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in humans?

Some cases have reported diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing • Wash hands regularly with soap and water, at least for 20 seconds (or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers) , before and after eating, after using the toilet and as necessary. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) about A(H1N1)

The place of origin of the virus is unknown.

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1. Observe proper personal hygiene:

Influenza A(H1N1) is caused by a novel virus that resulted from the re-assortment of 4 viruses from pigs, human and birds.

There are no known instances of people getting infected by exposure to pigs or other animals.

Cough

3. Social distancing. • Avoid crowded places. • Avoid close contact with sick people. • Stay home if you are sick until you are free from symptoms to prevent the spread of the virus.

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if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow;

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use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly;

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inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people;

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If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.

What to do if somebody gets sick?

• If there is flu like symptoms, consult the doctor immediately. and• Report to the proper health authorities. When should someone seek medical care?

What is the incubation period?

• 7 to 10 days from the time of exposure to the first onset of signs and symptoms

Can I get infected with Influenza A(H1N1) from eating or preparing pork?

How long can an infected person spread Influenza A(H1N1) to others?

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No, you can’t get influenza A(H1N1) by eating properly handled and thorough cooked pork and pork products

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The virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160 F/70 C.

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Despite the name of the virus, you can't catch swine flu from eating bacon, ham, or any other pork product. However, to avoid other illnesses, it is always important to cook pork until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit

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Fever

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Headache

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Fatigue

What should I do if I think I have the illness?

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Muscle or joint

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Lack of appetite

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Runny nose

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Sore throat

pains

cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub;

A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three days. For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a child has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).

• Infected person maybe contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

Similar to the symptoms of regular flu such as:

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How can we prevent the spread of the virus?

Cause

The virus is spread from person-to-person. It is transmitted as easily as the normal seasonal flu and can be passed to other people by exposure to infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing that can be inhaled, or that can contaminate hands or surfaces.

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If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat: •

stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds;

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rest and take plenty of fluids;

Is there a Vaccine for Swine Flu?

There is a vaccine to prevent the seasonal flu, which uses either a dead or weakened form of the virus to "teach" your immune system to attack the real virus. There is also a vaccine that can prevent swine influenza in pigs. But because the 2009 H1N1 swine flu virus is relatively new to people, there is currently no vaccine that can protect humans against swine flu. References: http://www.webmd.com; http://www.who.int and http://doh.gov.ph