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AH1N1 Flu:

WHO Classified Level 6 Alert

Pandemic – Widespread Human Infection

Moderate illness only (no worse than ‘usual influenza’)

Precautions to take:

1. Practice respiratory hygiene (cough into your bended arm or tissue)

2. Good hand washing/sanitizing hygiene

3. Avoid anyone with a respiratory illness/ if you are ill stay home from school

and work

4. If ill, talk to doctor 

 

For prevention, there is no known influenza vaccine to prevent infection from the

AH1N1 (swine flu) virus yet.

 

For treatment, and this would be for persons who have been medically diagnosed

with AH1N1, there are two known antivirals, of which one is Tamiflu and the other,

Relenza, that are being recommended and prescribed for administration to

individuals who have moderate to severe symptoms. However, this administration

must be carried out with proper professional medical consultation, including a

physician prescription, as it may be advisable for either no treatment (not

necessary as the malady isn't severe or the person is recovering) or treatment

may be more effective one of the two antivirals favored over the other.

 

 

Prevention (good practice at all times):

Wash your hands regularly (six to eight times daily):

o Before eating,

o After using the toilet,

o Before preparing food,

o After preparing food,

o After touching public surfaces (doors, counter tops, telephones),

o After touching coinage or paper money.

Washing your hands means taking off jewelry and vigorously rubbing them

together under hot water with soap for 15 to 20 seconds; alternatively, using

an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recommended;

Keep your hands away from your nose, mouth and eyes;

Maintain good respiratory hygiene (control sneezing and coughing by using

handkerchiefs or crook of your elbow);

Avoid close contact (within 3 meters) of anyone in public who appears to be

noticeably ill with coughing and fever (flushed and perspiring),

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: proper amount of sleep, good nutrition and

exercise

Symptoms of Flu, especially the first three points (not the same as ‘common

cold’):

Fever (temperature measured over 37oC or 98.6oF). The absence of this

symptom most likely indicates the absence of infection or influenza

Headaches

Persistent cough

Difficulty breathing

Shortness of breath

Sore throat

Fatigue, lethargy

Precautions to take:

1. Practice respiratory hygiene (cough into your bended arm or tissue)

2. Good hand washing/sanitizing hygiene

3. Avoid anyone with a respiratory illness/ if you are ill stay home from school

and work

4. If ill, talk to doctor

 

What should we be considering in terms of vaccinations? There seems to be

conflicting information in the media and on the web about what to do or to be

prepared for.

 

There are two aspects to this question of the use of pharmaceuticals: prevention

and treatment.

For prevention, there is no known influenza vaccine to prevent infection from the

AH1N1 (swine flu) virus yet.

 

For treatment, and this would be for persons who have been medically diagnosed

with AH1N1, there are two known antivirals, of which one is Tamiflu and the other,

Relenza, that are being recommended and prescribed for administration to

individuals who have moderate to severe symptoms. However, this administration

must be carried out with proper professional medical consultation, including a

physician prescription, as it may be advisable for either no treatment (not

necessary as the malady isn't severe or the person is recovering) or treatment

may be more effective one of the two antivirals favored over the other.

 

 

Prevention (good practice at all times):

Wash your hands regularly (six to eight times daily):

o Before eating,

o After using the toilet,

o Before preparing food,

o After preparing food,

o After touching public surfaces (doors, counter tops, telephones),

o After touching coinage or paper money.

Washing your hands means taking off jewelry and vigorously rubbing them

together under hot water with soap for 15 to 20 seconds; alternatively, using

an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recommended;

Keep your hands away from your nose, mouth and eyes;

Maintain good respiratory hygiene (control sneezing and coughing by using

handkerchiefs or crook of your elbow);

Avoid close contact (within 3 meters) of anyone in public who appears to be

noticeably ill with coughing and fever (flushed and perspiring),

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: proper amount of sleep, good nutrition and

exercise

Symptoms of Flu, especially the first three points (not the same as ‘common

cold’):

Fever (temperature measured over 37oC or 98.6oF). The absence of this

symptom most likely indicates the absence of infection or influenza

Headaches

Persistent cough

Difficulty breathing

Shortness of breath

Sore throat

Fatigue, lethargy