High risk groups for Pandemic H1N1 2009 and when to seek immediate hospital care

Overview of the current Pandemic H1N1 2009 situation

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is continuing to spread throughout Viet Nam. The spread of the virus to all countries, worldwide, is considered inevitable.

As of 10 February 2010, Viet Nam's Ministry of Health has received reports of 11,186 laboratory confirmed cases, including 58 deaths.

It is important to note that this pandemic is currently referred to as of “moderate” severity based upon the global situation. The overwhelming majority of patients are recovering without the need for hospitalization or even medical care, the levels of severe cases are similar to the levels we expect for seasonal influenza, and the health care systems are able to cope with the number of people seeking care.

With the increasing spread of H1N1 in Viet Nam, we expect that there will be a number of people who have serious complications and some will die. 

Experience from other countries shows there are certain groups considered to be at “high risk” of serious complications from Pandemic (H1N1) 2009. People with a chronic condition, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease such as asthma, diabetes, and cancer are currently among the people considered to be at high risk of serious complications from influenza.

There is evidence that pregnant women are also at high risk for more severe disease – especially those in the second and third trimester. And, a recent report suggests obesity may be another risk factor for severe disease.

Any one who has one of these high risk conditions should seek medical advice if they develop influenza like symptoms.

The symptoms of pandemic H1N1 are similar to seasonal influenza, such as fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea.

The virus is transmitted by inhaling infected droplets expelled by talking, coughing, or sneezing; or by touching contaminated hands or surfaces, the same as the normal seasonal flu.

The best protection measures for H1N1 are the SAME as for any influenza virus:

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly. You may also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands first.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze by using your sleeve, a tissue, or a mask.
• Avoid or reduce the time spent in close contact with people who appear unwell and/or have a fever and cough.
• Reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible.
• Keep a distance of at least 1 meter between you and other persons especially if they have influenza-like symptoms.
• Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows.
• Practice good health habits including getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
• STAY HOME IF YOU HAVE A FEVER, COUGH and/or SORE THROAT 

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In response to the continued spread of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - WHO, IFRC, UN and NGO partners have developed a "Call to Action" that outlines key principles, activities and priorities that can be implmented by all countries.

The Call to Action is meant to reemphasize some key interventions and directly complement current WHO technical guidance and National Pandemic Influenza plans. It highlights what can be done by all partners now to prepare for a pandemic at the country and community level. These interventions are meant to strengthen and build on existing systems at country level and call on all partners to integrate these into ongoing programmes.

This "Call to Action" marks an important step in the ongoing and future response to the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and it underscores the critical importance of UN agencies, civil society, NGOs and international bodies working together to ensure countries, particularly those in resource-constrained settings, are prepared to respond to the pandemic and the potential impacts it may have on populations.