Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia on last friday confirmed its first case of swine flu, a 21-year-old student
who recently returned from the United States. A statement by the Health Ministry’s director-general, Ismail Merican, said the young man was hospitalised on Thursday after suffering from
fever, sore throat and body aches. He had returned to
Malaysia from the United States on Wednesday.
Tests confirmed that he was infected with the A(H1N1) virus, the statement said. He is receiving anti-viral treatment and is in stable condition, it said. Ismail said the ministry is in touch with his family members to ensure that he did not infect them, but they have not been placed under quarantine. He also
urged all passengers on the Malaysia Airlines flight from Newark on Wednesday to contact the ministry.
Ismail said the public has no reason to panic as his department was taking steps to protect public health. Globally,
70 people have died of swine flu, 64 of them in Mexico where the virus originated.
Four deaths have been reported in the
US,
one in
Canada and
one in
Costa Rica.
According to the World Health Organisation, some
6,672 people in 33 countries are confirmed to be suffering from the disease. The WHO estimates that up to 2 billion doses of swine flu vaccine could be produced every year, though the first batches wouldn’t be available for four to six months.
What is H1N1 influenza virus?
Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1), is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans, including the strains responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic which killed 50–100 million people worldwide. Less virulent H1N1 strains still exist in the wild today, worldwide, causing a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all flu infections in 2006. Other strains of H1N1 are
endemic in pigs and in birds. In March, April and May 2009, thousands of laboratory-confirmed infections and a number of deaths were caused by an outbreak of a new strain of H1N1.
(Mine fault?)
(It's not totally our problems!!!)
How does H1N1 influenza virus spread?
Spread of H1N1 influenza virus also called H1N1 flu virus from person to person occurs in the same way as seasonal flu, which is mainly spread person to person through coughing or sneezing by people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses or germs on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Germs on hard surfaces, such as counters and doorknobs, can be picked up on hands and spread to the respiratory system when people touch their mouth or nose. It is important to wash your hands frequently.
How can H1N1 flu virus be prevented?
You can reduce the risk of getting any influenza strain, including the H1N1 flu virus, by taking standard precautionary measures.
-Wash your hands or clean them with alcohol-based hand rubs frequently, especially after you cough or sneeze and before you eat.
-Cover your nose and mouth with a clean tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash immediately after you use it.
-Cough and sneeze into your sleeve.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as infection can spread that way.
-Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
-If you get sick, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What to do if you or your child has symptoms?
In most adults and children, the symptoms of H1N1 flu virus or human swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular flu. If you or your child gets sick, you can take these steps to feel better.
-Children and adults who are sick should stay at home. Do not send children to school or daycare.
-Drink lots of fluids (juice, water, Pedialyte).
-Get plenty of rest.
-Keep your child comfortable.
-For fever, sore throat, and muscle aches, you can use fever-reducing medicines that your doctor recommends based on your child’s age. Do not use aspirin with children or teenagers; it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening illness.
-Keep clean tissues and a trash bag close, and throw the tissue in the trash immediately after you use it.
-Wash your hands frequently.
-A person who is sick should recover in his or her own room as much as possible.
-If someone in your home is sick, keep the person away from those who are not sick.
U.S. officials trying to contain the swine flu are now trying to contain the use of the phrase "swine flu" itself. At a briefing with reporters Tuesday, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack pleaded with the media and others to start identifying the illness as "H1N1 flu."
"This really isn’t swine [flu], it’s H1N1 virus," said Vilsack, referring to the strain’s scientific classification. “And it is significant because there are a lot of hard-working families whose livelihood depends on us conveying this message.”Specifically, federal authorities are trying to convey the message that – despite the name “swine flu” – pork products are safe to consume.“You should know that you cannot get H1N1 from eating pork,” Napolitano said, emphasizing statements she has made repeatedly in recent days. “Pork products are perfectly safe.”
What is home isolation?
You or your child may require home isolation if you have an infectious illness such as influenza or flu. The influenza virus is contagious for 24 hours before symptoms start and for about 7 days after symptoms start. You should stay at home or in isolation for 7 days even if your symptoms get better and your fever has gone.
Isolation means staying at home and not going to work, school, or other public places. While at home, the person who is sick should stay isolated or away from other household members and other people as much as possible.
You stay at home and away from people to prevent spreading influenza to others. It also gives you time to recover. You should recover in your own room as much as possible. Keep a 2 metre (6 feet) distance when contact with other household members is unavoidable. Everyone should wash their hands often, using soap and warm water.
How can human infections with H1N1 flu virus be diagnosed?
Identification of human swine influenza A virus requires sending a specimen from the infected person to the provincial laboratories at the BC Centre for Disease Control for testing. To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would need to be collected generally within the first 4 to 5 days of illness, during the time when an infected person most likely sheds the virus. Some people, especially children, may shed the virus for 10 days or longer. People with mild illness do not need to have a test done and should not go to their doctor for this. If you are unsure whether you need to see a doctor, call HealthLink BC at 811.
What medications are available to treat H1N1 flu virus infections?
Currently, antiviral drugs prescribed by doctors can be used for early treatment of the illness in certain people who may at risk of more severe disease. In the event that experts determine that more extensive use of antiviral medication is recommended both Canada and B.C. have purchased an advance supply of antivirals and have committed to purchasing more if needed as part of an emergency public health response.
Is there a vaccine for H1N1 flu virus?
Experts are working internationally to develop a vaccine that will protect persons from this particular strain of influenza. However, the seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for individuals to offer protection against the seasonal strains that may be circulating, regardless of whether a novel strain has emerged.
Canada has a contract with a manufacturer to research and produce a vaccine for an influenza pandemic virus once it is identified, so production can start as soon as possible.
Ps. Unfortunately I thought was infected by H1N1 in early, due to reason I got the similar symptons as upon listed. Nevertheless I went to a doctor, he said it just a common type sick nowadays for every. And I have being better now after maintain taking the medicine provided by doctor.
It ain't kidding for being illness!! For people around the world, please do take good care of yourself more. Life is short, but you to create it wonderful.
在此祝大家身體健康
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