Influenza A (H1N1)

How does the influenza A (H1N1) virus spread?

Spread of this new virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread 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.

What should I do to keep from getting infected by the influenza A (H1N1) virus?

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  First and most important: wash your hands.
• Try to stay in good general health.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress,
• drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
• Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus and
• avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  
  HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE INFLUENZA?
  
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Aching muscles
  • Exhaustion and feeling weak
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Dry cough
  
• You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A (H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses 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). If they suspect any symptoms they will send your blood sample, throat swab and nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) for testing to laboratories. Presently this facility is available only at certain specified government laboratories.
  
  If you live in areas where people have been identified with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhoea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
  
  HOW DO YOU REDUCE YOUR RISK OF CONTRACTING INFLUENZA?
  
  Personal Hygiene
  The practice of good personal hygiene is one of the most effec­tive strategies any individual can implement to reduce their risk of being infected by the influenza virus. Important points are:
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  • Cover the nose and mouth with the sleeve when coughing or sneezing (not with the hand, as that contaminates the hand for touching and spreading organisms further);
  • Use a tissue for cleaning/blowing the nose, and dispose of it after use;
  • Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing, using a tissue, or touching any surface that may have become contaminated by a prior user. If using a surgical mask, dispose of it carefully after use and wash hands:
  ° Wash hands with soap and water (preferable) or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner;
  ° When you wash your hands, wash for at least 20 seconds, making sure that all surfaces of hands and fingers are cleaned.
  • Become “touch aware”, and avoid touching surfaces that are likely to have been touched by others (door handles, stair railings, etc)
  Avoid handshaking, social kissing, and other social rituals that involve touching others.
  • Be careful with respiratory secretions when around other people (e.g. coughing and sneezing). If possible, avoid contact with individuals at risk (small children or those with underlying or chronic illnesses) until respiratory symptoms have resolved.