Facts About: INFLUENZA A(H1N1)

Subject: Facts About: INFLUENZA A(H1N1) Thu May 28, 2009 12:42 pm

WHAT IS INFLUENZA A-H1N1?

A-H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing ilness in people. This virus was originally reffere to as "swine flu" because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that it is very different because it has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes.Scientist call this a "quadruple ressortant" virus.

WHICH COUNTRIES ARE AFFECTED?

Originally most cases were seen in the U.S and Mexico.Now cases are being confirmed worldwide, like in:

Austria
Germany
Poland
Canada
Guatemala
Portugal
China
Hong Kong
Republic of Korea
Colombia
Ireland
Spain
Costa Rica
Israel
Sweden
Denmark
Italy
Switzerland
El Salvador
Netherlands
United Kingdom
France
New Zealand

HOW DO PEOPLE CATCH A-H1N1 INFLUENZA?

The A-H1N1 influenza is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However,at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people. Spread of this A-H1N1 influenza is thought to be happening in the same way that seosonal 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. Viruses are known to survive on surfaces from two to eight hours.
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
You cannot catch A-H1N1 flu from eating pork or working with pork products (such as pig skin grafts).

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A-H1N1 INFLUENZA?

The symptoms of A-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 A-H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with A-H1N1 flue infection in people. Like seasonal flu, A-H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO AVOID A-H1N1 INFLUENZA?

* Wash your hands
* Try to maintain a distance of at least three feet from other people whenever possible
* Take care of your health. Get plenty of sleep,be physically active,manage your stress,drink
plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
* Avoid people who are coughing and sneezing
* Refrain from touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
* Avoid crowds.
* Refrain from touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
* Pay attention to hygiene and regularly clean surfaces that may have become
contaminated with virus (e.g. doorknobs, phones, keyboards, flat surfaces). Regular house-
hold cleaning products containing bleach kill the influenza virus.
* Consider carrying an alcohol-based hand rub for use when access to clean water and
soap is not available.
* Consider having an annual seasonal influenza vaccination.

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO COUNTRIES THAT HAVE A-H1N1 INFLUENZA?

Everyone is asked to consider postponing all non-essential business travel to affected areas and to "self-quarantine" for 7-10 days at home after travel to affected areas.

IS THEIR A VACCINE?

NONE. Any work being done is still in the development stage. The seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against A-H1N1 influenza, but vaccination for seasonal influenza is recommended to prevent co-infection.

HOW IS A-H1N1 INFLUENZA TREATED?

A-H1N1 influenza could be treated with a class of antiviral medication called "neuraminidase inhibitors". There are two such drugs, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamir (Relenza). Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills,liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

PROPER HANDWASHING:

1. Wet hands with soap and warm water.
2. Rub hands for 20 seconds. Get under fingernails and between fingers.
3. Rinse under warm running water.
4. Dry hands on your own clean towel.
5. Turn off with paper towel. Throw towel away.

NOTE:[/size]]The information contained herein is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional.

NOW TAKE CARE ALWAYS.THE A-H1N1 VIRUS IS JUST EVERYWHERE....KEEP SAFE smile

Subject: Re: Facts About: INFLUENZA A(H1N1) Thu May 28, 2009 12:45 pm

nice job deeway!

we really need that kc nand2 na sa lugar nten ung virus.

so be aware nlng po.

Subject: Facts About: INFLUENZA A(H1N1) Thu May 28, 2009 12:47 pm

kaya nga e.

nakakatakot na tuloy magkasakit ngayon..

kahit na gustong gusto natin..

para hindi makapasok..

haayy...mag-iingat tayong lahat...

this virus is very dangerous..

it can cause death..phew!