Additional Info on INFLUENZA A(H1N1) Pandemic - Part 2

(photo courtesy of @LarryPConcepcion)

What you need to know in the event of Pandemic?

How will the UN help you?

The UN has a website currently residing on iSeek (www.un.org/staff/pandemic) that will keep all staff informed worldwide about the spread of the disease and its effect on staff members. The website operates in stand-alone mode on the internet and provides information about the current situation for UN personnel in each major duty station of the Secretariat along with appropriate links to the agencies, funds and programmes.

Additional Info on INFLUENZA A(H1N1) Pandemic

(photo courtesy of @LarryPConcepcion)

Are you at Risk?


Seasonal influenza

Everyone is at risk of getting seasonal influenza. It passes easily from person to person through droplets expelled from the nose and mouth of an infected person. These droplets can pass directly into the nose, mouth or eyes of a person who is nearby (less than 1 meter, or 3 feet, away) or indirectly when a person touches surfaces that droplets have fallen onto and then touches his or her nose, mouth or eyes before washing hands. Crowded, indoor environments may promote the chances of such transmission, which may explain the increase in respiratory infections during the winter months.

Info on the Influenza A(H1N1) Pandemic

Introduction 

What is the new influenza A (H1N1) virus that has been causing recent outbreaks globally?
The recent outbreaks of disease in people globally are caused by a new influenza (or “flu”) type A (H1N1) virus. There is a human H5N1 virus circulating and causing seasonal influenza and in the past, very occasionally, H1N1 viruses from swine have infected humans. The specific type of the H1N1 virus causing illness now is new or “novel” and in the current outbreak it is clear that this virus is able to infect humans and be passed from person to person. Although part of the virus may have originated from pigs, there is no evidence that the current spread of infection is coming from that source.

What You Need To Know About Influenza A(H1N1)

What is the influenza A (H1N1)?
Influenza A (H1N1) is an acute respiratory disease that is highly contagious.

How do people get infected?
Like the common flu, this virus can be spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, dispersing infected droplets onto surfaces or into the air. People who come into contact with such surfaces or breathe in contaminated air can become infected. The virus has led to a deadly outbreak in Mexico. From Mexico, it has spread to other parts of the world when visitors returned to their home countries.

Previously named swine flu, Influenza A (H1N1) has not been shown to transmit through eating pork that has been handled and cooked properly.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) are similar to the common flu. These include high fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and breathlessness. Because of the similarities in symptoms, only laboratory tests can confirm whether a person has been infected by the virus. Experts believe that like the common flu, symptoms can appear within 7 days of infection.

One in three infected people do not exhibit any symptoms. This makes containing the disease difficult as carriers or those with mild symptoms can unwittingly spread the infection to others.

What are the implications of being infected?
Influenza A (H1N1) has killed at least 66 people in Mexico and made over 2895 ill there. 39 countries have officially reported 8480 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.* For each person that is infected, more will be at risk. This makes it even more important to know about influenza A (H1N1) and take action against it.

Is there any cure for influenza A (H1N1)?
Reports have stated that Tamiflu, a drug for flu treatment may be effective. Authorities are also recommending two influenza neuraminidase inhibitors, oseltamivir and zanamivir, to stop the virus from reproducing in the body. However, it is best to take precautions to prevent infection.

What precautions can I take to protect myself against influenza A (H1N1)?
Because influenza A (H1N1) is highly contagious, extra caution should be exercised. Take precautions to avoid infection by:

•Not having any close contact with people who are having flu symptoms, and practicing good personal hygiene if you have to come into close contact with them.

•Washing hands thoroughly with soap frequently.

•Maintaining a strong immune system by getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and exercising regularly.

If you are feeling unwell, especially if you exhibit flu symptoms, see a doctor and stay at home to prevent spreading any virus to others.



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