H1N1 2009 Pandemic Flu (Swine Flu) Updates below from authoritative sources on prevention, vaccine, and treatment help to dispel incorrect information and rumors. Links to further information from these authoritative sources, are available as well as posters to download, a SAMSO video to watch on H1N1 and infection control, and SAMSO Contacts for more information.
Symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu
The symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 (swine) flu.
Source http://www.pandemicflu.gov/faq/swineflu/04.html
Number of Cases and Deaths Worldwide
This information changes daily - October 2009, there have been more than 340,000 laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 and 3917 deaths in 191 countries and territories reported to the WHO - as this information changes daily check the WHO Situation Updates for current information.
For the number of cases and deaths in Saudi Arabia, refer to the Saudi MOH link in “Sources” below.
As more and more countries have stopped counting individual cases, particularly of milder illness, the case count is significantly lower than the actual number of cases that have occurred.
Source WHO Situation Updates
Source Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) http://www.moh.gov.sa/ar/index.php Arabic/English
Severity of H1N1 Cases
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care.
Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 (swine) flu infection.
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Source http://www.pandemicflu.gov/faq/swineflu/04.html
Severity of H1N1 Pandemic
At this time, WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate! However, the severity of pandemics can change over time and differ by location or population.
Overall, severe illness from influenza A (H1N1) appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods, although high levels of disease have occurred in some local areas and institutions.
Source: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/levels_pandemic_alert/en/index.html
Antiviral Medications to treat H1N1 Flu
At this time, WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate! However, the severity of pandemics can change over time and differ by location or population.
You should only take an antiviral, such as Tamiflu or Relenza, if your health care provider advises you to do so. Most people recover with simple treatment without antiviral medication.
Individuals should not buy medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription, and they should exercise caution in buying antivirals over the internet.
Early treatment is especially important for patients who are at increased risk of developing complications, those who present with severe illness or those with worsening signs and symptoms.
Prompt administration of these drugs following symptoms onset reduces the risk of complications and can also improve clinical outcome in patients with severe disease.
Source: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/swineflu_faq_antivirals/en/index.html
What can be done to prevent getting yourself and others infected with the H1N1 Influenza Virus?
The main route of transmission of the new influenza A (H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing.
You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 meter if possible).
If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Using a mask correctly is essential. Incorrect use increases the chance of spreading infection.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
If a tissue is not available cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Flu germs spread this way.
Clean hands thoroughly with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated).
Clean your hands especially after you cough or sneeze. Please refer to below "What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?" for proper hand washing.
Reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible.
Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows.
Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.
Source What Can I do: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html
Source Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccines Questions and Answers September 15, 2009 posted on the FDA web page
http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/QuestionsaboutVaccines/ucm182335.htm
How do I know if I have influenza A (H1N1)?
You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A (H1N
1) without medical help.
Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose.
Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A (H1N1).
Source http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html
What should I if I think I have the illness
If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat: stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds. You may need to be medically certified to take leave from school or work.
Rest and take plenty of fluids.
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.
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.
Use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly.
Inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people.
If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
Source http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html
Source Questions & Answers 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You, CDC September 24, 2009 http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
Emergency warning signs in that need medical attention
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting or being so irritable that the child does not want to be held Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Source What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people?
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/faq/swineflu/04.html
Emergency warning signs in adults that need medical attention
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness or confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Source What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people? http://www.pandemicflu.gov/faq/swineflu/04.html
Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?
Whether you have influenza A (H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, it is better to stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others. However, you may need to be medically certified to take the sick leave.
Source What Can I do: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html
Source Questions & Answers 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You, CDC September 24, 2009 http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
If I have a member at home who is sick with H1N1 flu, should I go to work?
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with H1N1 flu can go to work as usual.
These employees should monitor their health every day, and take everyday precautions including washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, they should use an alcohol-based hand rub.
If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and their healthcare provider and stay home if medically permitted or certified to do so as required by the Company’s policies.
Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, as they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness.
Source Questions & Answers 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You, CDC September 24, 2009 http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
Can I travel?
Yes. The WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) virus. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.
However, if you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your health care provider.
Source What Can I do: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html
Source Is it safe to travel?
Source http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/travel/en/index.html
Why are we so worried about this flu when hundreds of thousands die every year from Flu?
Seasonal influenza occurs every year and many people have some immunity to the circulating virus which helps limit infections. Seasonal influenza vaccines also reduce illness and deaths.
But influenza A (H1N1) is a new virus and one to which most people have no or little immunity and, therefore, this virus could cause more infections than are seen with seasonal flu.
The new influenza A (H1N1) appears to be as contagious as seasonal influenza, and is spreading fast particularly among young people (from ages 10 to 45).
The severity of the disease ranges from very mild symptoms to severe illnesses and death.
Majority of people who contract the virus experience the milder disease and recover without antiviral treatment or medical care.
Of the more serious cases, more than half of hospitalized people had underlying health conditions or weak immune systems.
Source What is the new influenza A (H1N1)?
Source http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/about_disease/en/index.html
Are some people more at risk?
More study is needed to determine if some populations (i.e. younger or older people, or people with other medical conditions) could be affected, of if they are at higher risk for severe illness. The WHO recommends that everyone take precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
The age distributions of confirmed illness, severity of illness, and prevalence of medical risk factors among persons with severe illness have been consistent among many countries and over time.
The median age of persons with laboratory-confirmed infections in USA was 12 years, and the highest infection incidence was among persons aged 5 to 24 years. The incidence of infection was lowest among persons aged ≥65 years. Similar findings have been reported in other countries.
The median age of hospitalized persons with laboratory-confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection was 20 years, and the incidence of hospitalization was highest among young children <4. href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr58e0821a1.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr58e0821a1.htm
Source Are some people more at risk? http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/risk/en/index.html
What is the best for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds.
When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
Source Questions & Answers 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You, CDC September 24, 2009 http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
Flu Home http://www.pandemicflu.gov/index.html
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): General Information http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) http://samso.aramco.com.sa/epidemiology/index.asp?module=epi_SwineFlu.htm
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/
Swine Flu - Everything You Need To Know http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_177831
Swine Flu http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Flu/Swineflu/DH_098650
Questions & Answers: 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm
Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) http://www.moh.gov.sa/ar/index.php in Arabic and English
Articles
Arabian Sun July 1 "(H1NI) flu acts like other flu" - P 1, continues on P 5
Al-Qafilah Al-Usbu'iyyah page 11
Blast e-mails
June 20 Influenza A (H1NI) Update English & Arabic
May 18 Influenza A (H1NI) (Swine Flu) Mini Symposium
April 29 Swine Flu
SAMSO Announcements are collated on http://samso/Grprac > Health Care News for all SAMSO Announcement
Video : watch a video (June 21) (H1NI) Influenza A Infection Control Precautions (English)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
US Study: Aspirin Cuts Colon Cancer Death Risk
By VOA News 12 August 2009
U.S. researchers say colon cancer patients taking aspirin could lower the risk of dying from the disease.
Previous studies have already shown that aspirin reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. But a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association released Wednesday shows aspirin can also prevent colorectal cancer deaths in patients already diagnosed with the disease.Dr. Andrew Chan of Harvard Medical School led the study.
Chan and his team of researchers studied aspirin use in nearly 1,300 patients with colon cancer.They found the people who took aspirin regularly were nearly 30 percent less likely to die from their cancer than the people who did not take the drug.Chan said aspirin likely works against the cancer by blocking an enzyme that promotes inflammation and cell division. Aspirin is already recommended for preventing heart attacks and strokes, along with its traditional use for relief of aches and pains.
However, despite the possible benefits, the researchers say more trials need to be done before the drug can be used routinely by colon cancer patients.Colon cancer is the second most deadly cancer in the United States, after lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute says colon cancer will kill an estimated 50,000 Americans this year.
Friday, September 4, 2009
How To Prevent Dengue
Dengue is an infection of the dengue virus and one of the most common arthropod borne viruses. It is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes in the Aedes genus and is considered a major health threat. Dengue is usually a minor febrile illness that resolves without treatment, but it can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal, on rare occasions.
Dengue fever is an acute viral disease caused by the Flavivirus of the family Flaviviridae. The term “dengue” is a Spanish attempt at the Swahili phrase “Ki denga pepo” meaning “cramp-like seizure” caused by an evil spirit.
It’s a disease of tropical and subtropical regions that occurs epidemically, very much similar to chikungunya.
This disease is also called “breakbone” fever because it sometimes causes severe joint & muscle pain that feels like bones are breaking, hence the name.
The illness is usually self-limiting and can last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take as long as a month.
How dengue spreads?
Dengue fever is noncontagious i.e., not an airborne infection (an infected person cannot spread the infection to other persons but can be a source of dengue virus for mosquitoes for about 6 days from the start of symptoms).
Dengue virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, a specific species of mosquito usually Aedes aegypti (but frequently Aedes albopictus) which bites during morning hours. The mosquito transmits disease by biting an infected person and then biting someone else, similar to the spread of chikungunya.
The incubation period (i.e., period from infection till the manifestation of symptoms) is 4 to 6 days, but may vary with a range of 3 to 14 days.
This disease is a vector borne infection i.e., mosquito is the vector (carrier) of the virus believed to cause this fever and the vector is common both in dengue and chikungunya.
Dengue symptoms
Symptoms of typical (classic) dengue usually start with fever within 5 to 6 days after someone is bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms are more or less similar to that of chikungunya and include:
High-grade fever.
Severe headache.
Severe joint and muscle pain.
Nausea and vomiting.
Skin rash – The rash may appear over most of the body 3 to 4 days after fever.
Bleeding from the nose, gums or under the skin, causing purplish bruises.
Dengue severity classification
Four grades of severity are recognized: Grade I, fever and constitutional symptoms; grade II, grade I plus spontaneous bleeding (of skin, gums, or gastrointestinal tract); grade III, grade II plus agitation and circulatory failure; grade IV, profound shock.
Dengue synonyms
Exanthesis arthrosia, Aden fever, bouquet fever, breakbone fever, dandy fever, date fever, dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, polka fever, solar fever, scarlatina rheumatica.
Dengue diagnosis
Dengue fever can be diagnosed by performing blood test to detect antibodies against the virus.
How to prevent dengue?
Prevention is basically by:
Avoiding mosquito bites (by using mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin (KBR3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus)
Eliminate potential breeding grounds for the vector mosquitoes. This includes even small amounts of stagnant water, especially those around human habitation. Pots and old tires should be kept empty and even water in flower vases should be changed regularly.
Not storing water in open containers. Covering all water containers with lids.
Preventing mosquito entry by keeping doors closed and windows screened.
Wearing protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors.
Using mosquito nets at home.
Scrubbing and cleaning margins of containers used for water (to dislodge the eggs of Aedes aegypti)
Covering overhead tank to prevent access to mosquitoes.
Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day; therefore, special precautions should be taken during early morning hours before day break and in the late afternoon before dark.
There is no commercially available dengue vaccine (for dengue Flavivirus).
Dengue treatment and prognosis
Prognosis for dengue fever is good, if the infectious disease is treated on time. However the mortality rate can be as high as 15%. Hence immediate medical attention should be sought in suspected cases with dengue fever.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Influenza A(H1N1) (Swine Flu)
Frequently Asked Questions about Influenza A (H1N1) (also known as Swine Flu)
What is Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine Flu)?Influenza A (H1N1) is caused by a new flu virus that was first reported in Mexico and in the United States in March and April 2009. Influenza A (H1N1) spreads from person to person in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. It was originally referred to as swine flu because initial laboratory tests showed it to be very similar to a virus that caused flu in pigs. However, further study has shown that this virus is very different to that which normally circulates in pigs.
What are the signs and symptoms of Infection?The signs and symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1) are like those of the seasonal flu, they include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
How long is an infected person infectious?People infected with Influenza A (H1N1) may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick and up to 5 - 7 days after. The infectious period may be even longer in some people, especially children and those with weakened immune systems.
How severe is the illness associated with Influenza A (H1N1)?The severity of the illness ranges from very mild symptoms to severe illnesses that can result in death. The majority of people who contract the virus experience the milder disease and recover without antiviral treatment or medical care. Of the more serious cases, more than half of hospitalized people had underlying health conditions or weak immune systems.
What can I do to protect myself from catching Influenza A (H1N1)?The following measures are recommended by WHO in order to protect oneself from Influenza A (H1N1). These preventive measures are the same as for seasonal influenza. You can prevent infection by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 meter if possible) and taking the following measures:
Avoid touching your mouth and nose
Clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated)
Avoid close contact with people who might be ill
Reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible
Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows
Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active
What about using a mask?WHO recommends not wearing a mask if you are not sick. If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact. Cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards. If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose. Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential, because incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.
What should I do if I think I have the illness?
Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds as much as possible
Rest and take plenty of fluids.
Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing and dispose of the used tissues properly
Wash hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing
Inform family and friends about your illness and seek help for household chores that require contact with other people(such as shopping)
When should someone seek medical care?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).
Is there a vaccine for Influenza A (H1N1)?There is no vaccine available right now to protect against Influenza A (H1N1) virus. However, a vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the upcoming months.
If you need medical attention:
Contact your doctor or healthcare provider and strictly follow the advice given to you for care.
If it is not possible to contact your healthcare provider in advance, communicate your suspicion of having influenza A (H1N1) immediately upon arrival at the healthcare facility.
Take care to cover your nose and mouth during travel.
Source:WHO http://www.who.int/
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