Doa Pilihan

Doa Pilihan

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Influenza A (H1N1)

Today SRAT had a brief talk about Influenza A (H1N1) given by our PGB, Cg Noor Aida. Pupils were all gathered in the hall for the talk after reading the Surah Yasin.What is Influenza A (H1N1)?

  • Influenza A (H1N1) is previously referred to as "swine flu". It is a respiratory disease cause by a new strain of influenza virus that spreads from human to human.

How can Influenza A (H1N1) be transmitted?

  • Flu can be transmitted when a person cough, sneezes or speaks.
  • Flu viruses are transmitted into the air through droplets and other people breathe in the viruses.
  • When these viruses enter the nose, throat, or lungs of a person, they begin to multiply causing symptoms of the flu.
  • Viruses can also be spread indirectly when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it (for example, a door knob) and touches his or her nose or mouth.
  • Currently there's no evidence to suggest that it can be transmitted to humans from eating pork or pork products that have been thoroughly cooked.
What are the symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1)?

  • High fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, muscle & joint pain, breathelessness & vomitting & diarrhoea occasionally.
How is it diagnose?
  • A respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding the virus).
  • Some persons, eg, those who are immuno-compromised may shed the virus for 10 days or longer.
How to treat?
  • 2 types of anti-viral medicines available in Brunei to treat infection with the Influenza A (H1N1):- a) loseltamivir (Tamiflu) & b) lzanamivir (Relenza).
Is there any vaccine for Influenza A (H1N1)?
  • Currently, no vaccine available to protect humans from Influenza A (H1N1).
  • It takes 4 to 6 months for vaccine manufacturers to produce a vaccine for this new strain of virus.
  • The seasonal influenza vaccine which is available in Brunei may not protect against H1N1 flu viruses.
Advices for travellers:-
  • Avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas.
  • Delay travel if ill.
  • Returning travelers who fall ill should seek medical advice & treatment at the nearest health center/hospitalReturning travelers from affected areas should notify the Disease Control Division at 2382023 for monitoring purposes.
What can you do to prevent infection?
  • Avoid contact with persons with symptoms of influenza.
  • Avoid crowded areas, stay home and maintain good ventilation, especially if you are unwell. Wear a surgical mask to protect others.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when sneezing or coughing; dispose tissue in dustbin.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose & mouth.
  • Keep distance from others when you are unwell to protect them.
  • Consult a doctor if you are sick, especially if you have signs of serious illness eg, breathlessness, vomiting etc.
  • Defer travel if you are not well.
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently and when they are contaminated by respiratory secretions e.g. after sneezing.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle for good body resistance against infections:
    - Eat a balanced & nutritious diet.
    - Do regular exercises at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
    - Get adequate rest & sleep.
    - Learn to relax & overcome stress.
    - Stop smoking.
  • Listen for the latest news, updates of the situation & health advisories regularly.

10 steps for keeping yourself and others safe:-

  1. Wash your hands frequently.
  2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  3. Avoid close contact.
  4. Stay home when you are not well.
  5. Cover your mouth and nose.
  6. Keep distance.
  7. Practice other good health habits.
  8. Consult a doctor if you are sick.
  9. Defer travel if you are sick.
  10. Listen to your local health authorities.

p/s: As adviced by the Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam.

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