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Questions and answers: Influenza A/H1N1 (“swine flu”) |
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08 July 2009 What is novel influenza A/H1N1? This is a new influenza virus infecting humans. It was first detected in humans in the USA in April 2009 but was probably causing infections in Mexico for a period before this. Initially this new influenza virus was thought to be a type of influenza virus that infects pigs and sometimes spreads to humans (hence the initial name of “swine flu”). However, further studies have revealed that it is not a virus that came directly from pigs but is rather a new virus formed by the recombination of several different genetic elements from pigs, avian and human species. Why is there a risk of a pandemic from this virus? An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges to which the majority of humans are non-immune and which can spread efficiently and sustainably amongst humans. Thus far, this virus appears to meet these criteria and has already affected a large number of countries across the globe. It has therefore been essential to activate global responses. How do people get infected with influenza A/H1N1? Available information on this new virus suggests that it spreads from person to person much like “seasonal influenza” which is mainly via respiratory droplet transmission. Individuals are infected when they breathe in droplets that are generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In addition, infection can result if there is contact with inanimate surfaces e.g: door knobs or hands that are contaminated with the influenza virus and then the person touchs their mouth, nose or eyes. How long can an infected person spread this virus to others? At the current time, it is believed that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. It is therefore important for people to stay at home for at least 7 days when they have symptoms to reduce spread to other people. What kills influenza virus? Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]) and by various chemicals, alcohol containing rubs, and antiseptics. How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)? Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface. Can a person get infected with novel H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork? No. Novel H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected with novel HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. Should people be alarmed about the increase in cases of swine flu in south Africa ? Experience in other affected countries indicates that this virus spreads rapidly through communities . It is not possible to contain this virus by quarantine of contacts and travel restrictions. Social distancing of affected persons usually by home isolation’ may to some extent reduce spread. From the experience of this disease in other countries spread is inevitable. What is most important is to reduce potential complications of the disease by focusing on diagnosis and treatment of persons with severe illness and those at risk for complications What should I do if I get sick? If you live in areas where people have been identified with novel H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings 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 If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Complications of seasonal influenza occur more commonly in persons of 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions that increase the risk of influenza-related complications, like asthma and diabetes as well as any other immuno suppressive condition. While overwhelmingly the experience of this new virus has been of mild disease, there have been a small number of deaths reported in other countries to date. Some of these have been in persons with underlying chronic illness or in pregnant woman, but a number of the deaths have been in young persons who are otherwise healthy. This is a typical feature of new pandemic virus strains. It is unknown how this virus will affect persons who are immuno-suppressed due to the presence of HIV infection. Adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus by previous exposure to a similar strain. Do we have tests available in SA for influenza A/H1N1? Yes. The National Influenza Centre at the National Health Laboratory service at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Virology Laboratory at University of Stellenbosch are currently providing the testing for the virus where indicated. It is likely that additional laboratories will be providing testing in the coming weeks. Who should be tested for novel influenza A/H1N1 (“swine flu”)? At present suspected cases will be tested. A suspect case is currently defined as follows: An individual with recent onset of influenza-like illness: fever of 38°C PLUS ONE OR MORE of the following acute respiratory symptoms (sore throat, runny nose/nasal congestion, cough or muscle pains) AND gives one of the following histories:
Is there any effective treatment for this virus? Currently this pandemic is of moderate severity globally. The majority of patients experience mild symptoms and make a rapid and full recovery, often in the absence of any form of medical treatment. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) are drugs currently recommended in SA. It is recommended that treatment be given only to suspected and confirmed cases showing severe symptoms as well as those at high risk of severe illness. If I have a family member at home who is sick with novel H1N1 flu, should I go to work? Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with novel H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, and take everyday precautions including washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness. Steps to Lessen the Spread of Flu in the Home When providing care to a household member who is sick with influenza, the most important ways to protect yourself and others who are not sick are to:
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
There is currently no vaccine against this new virus. Does the current seasonal influenza vaccine protect against this new virus? Available data suggest there will be little or no protection offered by the seasonal vaccine against this new virus. Adapted from:
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