H1N1 swine flu influenza (bird flu) , symptoms , why , how, do and don’ts – Swine (H1N1) flu guide

The threat of (H1N1)A influenza pandemic is spreading worldwide with 202,151 infections, 1550 fatalities and more than 150 countries affected. It is important for us to increase our awareness and you are therefore requested to go through the information provided below.

What are signs and symptoms of (H1N1)A influenza in people?

The symptoms of (H1N1)A influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu like fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with (H1N1)A influenza. Like seasonal flu, (H1N1)A influenza may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.


Is (H1N1)A influenza virus contagious?
US CDC has determined that the (H1N1)A virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. WHO has elevated the alert level to Phase 6 (highest level-Pandemic).

How does (H1N1)A influenza spread?

Spread of this (H1N1)A virus is thought to be happening in the same way as that of seasonal flu. Flu viruses spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. This means that, you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while/after you are sick.

What do I do if I am experiencing symptoms?

You should stay out of public areas and contact your physician as soon as possible. Before visiting your physician’s office, you should call ahead to let the office know about your symptoms and your recent travel. You should also cover your mouth when you leave your house to seek medical care. It is important that you and your family members wash hands frequently with soap and water.

How can my family protect themselves if I have flu-like symptoms?

One of the most important things you can do to prevent transmission of the (H1N1)A influenza or any one of a number of communicable diseases is to practice good hand hygiene with frequent hand washing using soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers (60-95% alcohol), particularly:
• Before, during, and after you prepare food (especially if handling raw poultry)
• Before you eat, and after you use the bathroom
• After handling animals or animal waste
• When your hands are soiled, and
• When someone in your home or immediate work location is sick.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s
• Consult your doctor if you feel unwell especially when you run a fever.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Do not come to office.
• Maintain general awareness and vigilance of possible of Pandemic and (H1N1)A influenza outbreaks.

Don’ts
• Avoid hot-spots (Crowded areas, animal markets, meat shops, farms, malls & restaurants).
• Plan travel carefully – avoid sending teams to infected areas, take necessary precautions,
• If returning from an afflicted country, please discuss same with EHS before attending office. Do not come to office if you have flu symptoms.

If there is an ill person at home:

• Try to provide the ill person a separate section in the house. If this is not possible, keep the patient at least 1 meter in distance from others.
• Cover mouth and nose when caring for the ill person. Masks can be bought commercially or made using the readily available materials as long as they are disposed of or cleaned properly.
• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the ill person.
• Try to improve the air flow in the area where the ill person stays. Use doors and windows to take advantage of breeze.
• Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents.

Source

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Tags: Health