Influenza A(H1N1) as re-emerging disease: What the public should know

CEBU, Philippines – As a re-emerging infectious disease, Influenza A(H1N1) cases have become news items again.

We already know that it is caused by virus that resulted from the re-assortment of four viruses from pigs, human and birds and that this new virus has been causing illness to people.

First detected in people in April 2009 in the Americas, the virus is spreading from person-to-person in the same way regular seasonal influenza (flu) viruses spread.

What the public should know is that there is no vaccine yet that offers humans 100-percent protection from this virus. But there are existing and recommended medicines that are effective in treating Influenza A(H1N1). You see, Influenza A(H1N1) can be fatal because of severe respiratory distress (pneumonia).

A vaccine shot can greatly reduce the risk of getting sick most especially those in the high-risk group: pregnant women after the first trimester of pregnancy; children aged six months old to less than five years old and adults aged 60 and above; children aged five years old to adults aged less than 60 years old with chronic medical conditions.

Experts said, though, that the vaccines only become effective about 14 days after vaccination. Vaccinated individuals can also get influenza by a different strain of the virus for which the A(H1N1) vaccine does not provide protection.

What are the signs and symptoms in humans? Similar to the symptoms of regular flu, humans would suffer from fever, headache, fatigue, muscle or joint pains, lack of appetite, runny nose, sore throat and cough. Some cases have reported having diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

Influenza A(H1N1) is transmitted through direct exposure to the droplets when an infected person coughs and sneezes, and touching mouth, nose or eyes after touching infected things.

However, Influenza A(H1N1) is not transmitted by eating pork. But be reminded to properly handle and thoroughly cook pork to avoid other diseases, a warning read.

According to the advocacy materials provided by the Department of Health-Center for Health Development, protecting yourself from getting Influenza A(H1N1) starts with the basics of hygiene like washing hands with soap and water always, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, avoiding close contact with sick people, increasing the body’s resistance, and by making it a habit to cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing (most especially when you’re in public places).

Increasing your body’s resistance involves having at least eight hours of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.

The DOH-CHD shared the following tips if there is a person at home who has signs and symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1): Make the sick person wear surgical mask, provide a separate room in the house, have proper ventilation where the sick person stays, wash hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the sick person, and keep the environment clean.

If providing a separate room for the sick person in the house is not possible, keep the patient at least one meter away from other family members.

If signs and symptoms are mild with no pre-existing conditions, stay at home. However, if there are pre-existing conditions, immediately inform the local health physician.

The DOH Hospital designated in the Visayas as Referral Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases is the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. VSMMC can be reached through (032) 253-9891/254-0057 while the Davao Medical Center in Bajada, Davao City is the designated DOH Hospital in Mindanao. Call (082) 227-2731. (THE FREEMAN)