How can I protect myself from H1N1? Now is the time to be aware.

( Source: WHO )

Be infromed, not scared!

Insect repellent lotion and spray, insecticide spray, screened or airconditioned rooms, mosquito nets + iloilo’s food and places could still be a lot of fun!! Check all these information about degue fever.

Aedes Mosquito

The principal mosquito vector, Ae. aegypti, prefers to feed on humans during daytime: in the morning for several hours after daybreak and in the late afternoon for several hours before dark. Nevertheless, the mosquito may feed at any time during the day, especially indoors, in shady areas, or when it is overcast. Studies placed the estimated risk for travelers returning from dengue-endemic areas near one illness per thousand travelers. This estimate may overstate the danger for tourists who may have less contact with the vector when they stay only a few days in air-conditioned hotels with well-kept grounds, or when they participate in outdoor recreational activities where the vector mosquito may be absent (such as sunbathing or playing golf in the middle of the day). Moreover, travelers who stay in the homes of friends and relatives in locations with intense disease transmission may have a higher risk of illness. Therefore, everyone in the (and travelers to) endemic and epidemic areas should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Risk Factors

Current data suggest that co-circulation of all four dengue strains in the same geographic region, virus genotype, and host factors such as immune status (i.e., having had a previous dengue infection), age, and genetic background are the most important risk factors for developing DHF. In Asia, where a high proportion of the population has experienced a dengue infection early in life, DHF is observed most commonly in infants and children younger than 15 years of age who are experiencing a second dengue infection. In the Americas and the Pacific, where primary infection at a young age is less common, DHF is typically observed in older children and adults. Therefore, international travelers from nonendemic areas (such as the United States) are generally at low risk for DHF.

Pregnant Women and Dengue Fever

There is little information in published reports about the consequences of dengue infection for pregnant women. No convincing evidence demonstrating an association between dengue infection during pregnancy and congenital malformations has been reported. However, if the mother is ill with dengue at the time of delivery, the child can be born with dengue infection or can acquire dengue through the delivery process itself, and then develop the manifestations of dengue fever or DHF. Passive transplacental transfer of maternal anti-dengue antibodies acquired from a previous maternal infection can also place infants at greater risk of DHF with their first dengue infection, but these maternal antibodies are cleared by 9-12 months of age.Transfusion-related dengue infection is a theoretical possibility

Sources:photo: AidanJones’ photostream and zenproof flickr.com, Article: CDC

When we go over all the symptoms related to H1N1, its very much like having a common and seasonal flu. These  are fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. So, how can we really be sure when we have the H1N1?

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).

What should I do if I think I have the illness?

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.

When should someone seek medical care?

A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three days. For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a child has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).

Supportive care at home – resting, drinking plenty of fluids and using a pain reliever for aches – is adequate for recovery in most cases. (A non-aspirin pain reliever should be used by children and young adults because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.)

Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?

No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.

Can I travel?

If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your health care provider.

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask.

If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and cleanse your hands thoroughly after wards.

If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.

Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.

(source: WHO Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response)

Influenza A (H1N1)

Influenza A (H1N1) is a new virus causing illness in people.  This new virus was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States.  This virus is spreading from person-to –person, probably in much the same way that the regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

Influenza A (H1N1) is fatal to humans

Signs and symptoms in humans

- similar to the symptoms of regular flu such as

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough

- Vomitting or nausea
- Diarrhea

Mode of Transmission

- Exposure to droplets from the cough and sneeze of the infected person
Influenza A (H1N1) is not transmitted by eating thoroughly cooked pork.

Prevention

- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
- Always wash hands with soap and water
- Use alcohol- based hand sanitizers
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Increase your body’s resistance
- Have at least 8 hours of sleep
- Be physically active
- Manage your stress
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat nutritious food

DOH Hospitals designated as Referral Centers for Emerging and
Re-emerging Infectious Diseases

National Referral Center

Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)
Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
Tel No. 809-7599

Sub-national Referral Center

A. Luzon and Metro Manila
San Lazaro Hospital
Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Tel. No. (02) 732-3776 to 78

Lung Center of the Philippines
Quezon Avenue, Quezon CIty
Tel. No. (02) 924-6101 / 924-0707

B. Visayas

Vicente Sotto Medical Center
Cebu City
Tel. No. (032)-253-9891 / 254-0057

C. Mindanao

Davao Medical Center
Bajada, Davao City
Tel. No. (082) 221-6574

Satellite Referral Hospitals

Regional Hospitals/Medical Centers of 16 regions

How do I know if I have influenza A(H1N1)?

Source: http://www.doh.gov.ph/swine_flu