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:-
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact.
- Stay home when you are not well.
- Cover your mouth and nose.
- Keep distance.
- Practice other good health habits.
- Consult a doctor if you are sick.
- Defer travel if you are sick.
- Listen to your local health authorities.
p/s: As adviced by the Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam.
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