WHAT IS H1N1?
- Influenza A(H1N1) is a new virus currently spreading in humans across the globe.
- This virus is causing mild illness in most cases but some people have died, mainly in Mexico
- This virus was originally referred to as “swine influenza” 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, Europe and Asia.
- This recently discovered influenza A(H1N1) virus has a mix of swine, avian and human influenza genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.
- This is a unique combination that has never been seen before.
WHAT IS A PANDEMIC INFLUENZA VIRUS?
For an influenza virus to be considered a pandemic virus:
- It needs to be a new strain of influenza virus – which means most people will have no immunity
- The strain must be able to easily spread from person to person and continue to spread around the globe
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF H1N1 AND HOW IS IT SPREAD?
The symptoms of A (H1N1) are similar to the symptoms of regular, seasonal influenza: sudden onset of fever, body aches, headaches, fatigue, dry cough, runny nose, and sore throat.
Some people with the virus also have reported nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which are not usually typical symptoms.
The virus has been spreading from person-to-person in the same ways that regular, seasonal influenza is transmitted: by being in close contact (generally within an arm's length) when someone is talking, coughing, or sneezing. Or by touching something that has come in contact with an infected person's respiratory droplets, for example by shaking hands after someone has sneezed onto their hand.
One person can give influenza to another person if they are in close contact, so influenza can spread easily in places where there are many people in close contact, such as in crowds.
People with A(H1N1) but are not yet showing symptoms can still infect others.
IF I (OR A FAMILY MEMBER) HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS DO I HAVE H1N1?
Right now in Viet Nam , you can assume that you DO NOT have H1N1 UNLESS:
- H1N1 cases have been reported in an area where you live, work, or have visited
- you have traveled to a country with reported cases
- you have been in contact with a person who has traveled to an area with H1N1 cases
If you have influenza symptoms and any of these criteria are met, you should seek medical attention. You should alert your supervisor and not go to work.
On your way to the clinic/hospital, you should wear a mask. You should also notify the clinic/hospital staff before or as soon as you arrive that you think you may have H1N1.
And, you should postpone any travel until you are well.
WILL WEARING A MASK PROTECT ME?
Masks are designed to reduce the germs that someone is breathing out.
If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask.
If you are caring for a sick person, and they are too uncomfortable to wear a mask, then you can wear one when you are in close contact with the ill person. But you need to dispose of the mask immediately after the contact, and to thoroughly cleanse your hands afterwards.
Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.
IF H1N1 IS CAUSING MILD ILLNESS WHY DO WE NEED TO WORRY?
Influenza viruses are unpredictable and are able to change rapidly. New diseases are, by definition, poorly understood when they emerge. H1N1 is a new virus and no one can predict if or how it will change or how the situation will evolve. For example, the virus could change to become more serious and cause more widespread illness and death.
IS PORK SAFE TO EAT?
Yes.
People do NOT become infected with the new 2009 H1N1 virus from eating pork or pork products. There is NO evidence that the virus originated in pigs.
To avoid other health problems it is important to always ensure pork and other meats are properly cooked at temperatures of 160°F/70°C.
DO ANTIVIRALS WORK?
There is a medicine (an antiviral) called oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) and zanamivir (brand name Relenza) that has been given to a small number of H1N1 cases.
This drug may reduce symptoms and shorten the length of illness, and may prevent severe complications.
However, Tamiflu has NOT been needed by the vast majority of people with H1N1. Most cases have recovered fully at home without the need for antivirals or hospitalization.
Antivirals are most effective when they are taken within the first two days of being ill.
SHOULD I TAKE AN ANTIVIRAL NOW JUST IN CASE I CATCH THE NEW VIRUS?
No. You should only take an antiviral, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, if your health care provider advises you to do so. Individuals should not buy medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription, and they should exercise caution in buying antivirals over the internet.
WHAT IS WHO DOING ABOUT GETTING ANTIVIRAL DRUGS TO COUNTRIES AS PREPARATION FOR A PANDEMIC?
WHO’s first priority is to provide an emergency stock of antiviral drugs to countries that have no or insufficient stock of the drugs and lack the capacity to procure these drugs themselves. WHO is also working with Member States, donors and other groups that have stockpiles and are willing to share these with WHO for distribution to countries in need.
IS THERE A VACCINE FOR H1N1?
Scientists have begun trying to develop a vaccine that matches the virus that is circulating. However, there has not yet been a decision to manufacture the vaccine.
Once the decision is made to produce a vaccine, it will take at least 6 months for the vaccine to become widely available. Even then, there will not be enough vaccine for everyone and the vaccine may not be effective if the virus has changed a lot.
It is unlikely that existing seasonal influenza vaccines can provide any protection from the current H1N1 virus.
For more information on vaccines click here (English only)
WHAT IS VIET NAM DOING TO CONTROL H1N1?
The Viet Nam Ministry of Health has responded quickly to prepare for a pandemic and more possible cases of H1N1.
The Ministry of Health has already directed all Provincial Departments of Health, Preventive Health Centers, regional institutes of hygiene and epidemiology, health care facilities and health quarantine stations to enhance surveillance and early detection measures and to be prepared to respond to any identified cases.
Given previous experiences dealing with both avian influenza and SARS, Viet Nam already has many surveillance and early detection mechanisms in place.
WHO Viet Nam and MOH are working closely to develop best practices and protocols in laboratory diagnosis, quarantine, clinical case management, infection control and logistics specific to this situation.
As long as the number of people affected remains relatively limited, WHO recommends the protection measures listed in this website.
If there are many people affected and/or the virus seems to be causing more severe illness, then some social distancing measures might be recommended.
These efforts are designed to reduce people's contact with other people, and may include suspending school classes and restricting crowds, such as by closing theatres, canceling sporting events, etc… to discourage people from gathering in large numbers.
Ministry of Health – Viet Nam
WHERE TO GET LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT THE GLOBAL SITUATION?
During public health emergencies, it is important to seek accurate information about the situation. WHO provides updated information on its website, not only about the global situation, but also guidelines, and frequently asked questions. Information is available at the following websites
World Health Organization
US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
European Centre for Prevention and Disease Control