INFLUENZA A (H1N1) – The Facts

What is it?

H1N1 (previously known as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in Mexico in April 2009. Now many other countries around the world have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. This is a new influenza A(H1N1) virus that has never before circulated among humans. This virus is not related to previous or current human seasonal influenza viruses.

History

Over the years, different variations of flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

Signs & symptoms

The symptoms of H1N1 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 infection. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 (swine) flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A(H1N1) with a throat swab.

Emergency warning signs in children that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Emergency warning signs in adults that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Continuous fever for more than three days

Guidelines if you are feeling unwell:
If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:

- stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds;
- 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.
- Do not go to work. You should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your colleagues and others.
- Avoid travelling

For more info:
Malaysia: http://h1n1.moh.gov.my
USA: http://flu.gov/
WHO: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

Next: Treatment, prevention & WHO guidance on clinical management of H1N1