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News News Archive H1N1 Influenza Virus (Formerly Swine Flu)
| H1N1 Influenza Virus (Formerly Swine Flu) |
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| Tuesday, 28 July 2009 10:39 |
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AddThis Social Bookmark Button  Artist interpretation of the H1N1 Virus (Formerly Swine Flu) The H1N1 virus produces mainly mild to moderate symptoms, but in some cases when coupled with other chronic ailments can be deadly, just as any other flu. Since May 2009 in NSW, there has been a total of 3173 cases with 654 patients admitted to hospital, 96 admitted into intensive care units and 17 deaths (as of 22nd July 2009). (source: http://www.emergency.health.nsw.gov.au/swineflu/resources/pdf/case_statistics_230709.pdf) The H1N1 virus was identified in April 2009 in Mexico and the United States. The influenza A virus spread quickly throughout the world causing the World Health Organisation to raise their pandemic alert to level 6. This strain of influenza A commonly has mild to moderate symptoms similar to the average seasonal flu, however this particular virus tends to affect younger people, and generally spares the over 60s. This particular virus was also unusual, due to the spread in the northern hemisphere in a warmer climate. The symptoms include; fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, severe tiredness, sore throat, cough, and a runny or stuffy nose. Most people will recover from this strain within a week, however if symptoms worsen consult your doctor, as complications can include; pneumonia, heart failure or worsening of other illnesses. Influenza is spread from person to person through touching (i.e. shaking hands) or from coughing or sneezing. If you are at risk of contracting H1N1 avoiding crowds and areas of high pedestrian traffic is advised. A person can be contagious up to 3 days before and a few days after the onset of any symptoms. Treatments have been antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), and zanamivir (Relenza). These drugs prevent the influenza virus from spreading inside your body. If these medications are taken during the first symptoms the antivirals can lessen the flu symptoms within 48 hours. The NSW department of health has advised hand washing procedures and coughing etiquette. Good hand washing habits should be adopted by everyone, particularly during disease outbreaks such as the H1N1 2009 epidemic. Washing your hands before and after eating, handling food, playing, going to the toilet, and touching pets is advised. Good hygiene can prevent infection to yourself and others at work, schools and at home. Go to the NSW Health Department for more information. These simple steps for washing hands can prevent the spread of disease and infection:
Cough etiquette is another way we can lessen the spread of the H1N1 virus onto others. The NSW Health Department advises: covering your mouth and nose with a tissue if you cough or sneeze and then disposing of the tissue in a bin. Wear a surgical mask if possible. After coughing or sneezing wash your hands with soap and running water or use an alcohol based cleanser if you cannot access these. And remember hand washing is the single most effective way to reduce the spread of germs that cause respiratory disease. If you are experiencing any flu like symptoms you should call your GP and ask for advice on their consultation procedure, as some practices advise patients to call in advance for the benefit of staff and other patients to lessen the possibility of infecting others. If you are having trouble breathing or have severe flu like symptoms you should go directly to your local hospital for treatment. If you think you are at risk of contracting H1N1 go to: http://www.fightflu.gov.au or call the National Hotline on 1802007. Sources: NHMRC - http://www.nhmrc.gov.au NSW Health Department - http://www.health.nsw.gov.au |
| Last Updated on Tuesday, 06 October 2009 15:16 |
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