The 101 on A(H1N1)
Words by Katherine C. Eustaquio
Published in Action & Fitness Magazine June 2009 issue
The Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1) or “swine flu” has the world in full alert mode. Our best defense? Be updated at all times and know how to prevent it from infecting you.
What is A(H1N1)?
It’s a new strain of the H1N1 Influenza A virus that causes illness in people. It is often called the “swine flu” because early lab tests showed that some of the genes found in the H1N1 virus are similar to those found in the swine influenza, a respiratory disease that normally occurs in North American pigs. Further studies, however, revealed that the H1N1is a different breed of virus. Influenza viruses are not known to be transmissible to people through eating processed pork or other food products derived from pigs. Influenza A viruses are also inactivated by heating.
Infected droplets could stick to their hands or surfaces or dispersed into the air where people could easily breathe it in.
How does it spread?
It can be transmitted through the coughs and sneezes of an infected person. Infected droplets could stick to their hands or surfaces or dispersed into the air where people could easily breathe it in. An infected person may infect another even before the symptoms start to develop. He or she is highly contagious up to seven or more days after getting sick. Children can stay contagious for a longer time compared to adults.
What are the signs and symptoms of A(H1N1) infection in people?
It includes the typical symptoms of seasonal flu: fatigue, cough, fever, sore throat, runny or clogged nose, headaches, body aches and chills. Some have also reported vomiting and diarrhea. Past cases have resulted in severe illnesses (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and death. This virus can also worsen chronic medical conditions.
What can I do to protect myself from it?
Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing and lessen the time spent in crowded places. Wear a surgical mask when you’re in crowded areas.
Several viruses and bacteria can live for two hours or longer on dirty surfaces like desk, doorknobs, and even computer mice. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water—for 15 to 20 seconds—or splash alcohol-based cleansers before touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
A strong body and immune system help protect us from infections so make sure to get enough sleep, eat well-balanced meals, stay hydrated, and exercise.
What kills the virus?
Heat kills influenza virus (75-100°C). Chemical germicides like detergents, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, iodine-based antiseptics, and alcohols can effectively kill influenza viruses when used properly.
What should I do if I get sick?
Avoid any means of travel. Stay home for a week or more until you are symptoms-free. Have over-the-counter medicines, antibacterial cleansers and wipes, tissues, and other items handy. These will help you avoid infecting other people and make sure you dispose of your trash properly. Contact your doctor and seek medical care immediately.
Are there medicines that will cure the swine flu?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. recommends Oseltamivir or Zanamivir (antiviral drugs used in the treatment and prophylaxis of Influenza Viruses A and B) for the treatment and prevention of the swine flu virus. These antiviral drugs prevent the viruses from reproducing inside your body. They are best taken within two days of symptoms.
Symptoms that require urgent medical attention:
In children:
• Severe vomiting
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Extreme irritability
• Dehydration
• Fever with rash
• Flu-like symptoms improve but return with worse cough and fever
• Difficulty in breathing
• Chest / abdomen pains
• Sudden dizziness
• Severe vomiting
• Confusion
• Flu-like symptoms improve but return with worse cough and fever
Published in Action & Fitness Magazine June 2009 issue
The Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1) or “swine flu” has the world in full alert mode. Our best defense? Be updated at all times and know how to prevent it from infecting you.
What is A(H1N1)?
It’s a new strain of the H1N1 Influenza A virus that causes illness in people. It is often called the “swine flu” because early lab tests showed that some of the genes found in the H1N1 virus are similar to those found in the swine influenza, a respiratory disease that normally occurs in North American pigs. Further studies, however, revealed that the H1N1is a different breed of virus. Influenza viruses are not known to be transmissible to people through eating processed pork or other food products derived from pigs. Influenza A viruses are also inactivated by heating.
Infected droplets could stick to their hands or surfaces or dispersed into the air where people could easily breathe it in.
How does it spread?
It can be transmitted through the coughs and sneezes of an infected person. Infected droplets could stick to their hands or surfaces or dispersed into the air where people could easily breathe it in. An infected person may infect another even before the symptoms start to develop. He or she is highly contagious up to seven or more days after getting sick. Children can stay contagious for a longer time compared to adults.
What are the signs and symptoms of A(H1N1) infection in people?
It includes the typical symptoms of seasonal flu: fatigue, cough, fever, sore throat, runny or clogged nose, headaches, body aches and chills. Some have also reported vomiting and diarrhea. Past cases have resulted in severe illnesses (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and death. This virus can also worsen chronic medical conditions.
What can I do to protect myself from it?
Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing and lessen the time spent in crowded places. Wear a surgical mask when you’re in crowded areas.
Several viruses and bacteria can live for two hours or longer on dirty surfaces like desk, doorknobs, and even computer mice. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water—for 15 to 20 seconds—or splash alcohol-based cleansers before touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
A strong body and immune system help protect us from infections so make sure to get enough sleep, eat well-balanced meals, stay hydrated, and exercise.
What kills the virus?
Heat kills influenza virus (75-100°C). Chemical germicides like detergents, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, iodine-based antiseptics, and alcohols can effectively kill influenza viruses when used properly.
What should I do if I get sick?
Avoid any means of travel. Stay home for a week or more until you are symptoms-free. Have over-the-counter medicines, antibacterial cleansers and wipes, tissues, and other items handy. These will help you avoid infecting other people and make sure you dispose of your trash properly. Contact your doctor and seek medical care immediately.
Are there medicines that will cure the swine flu?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. recommends Oseltamivir or Zanamivir (antiviral drugs used in the treatment and prophylaxis of Influenza Viruses A and B) for the treatment and prevention of the swine flu virus. These antiviral drugs prevent the viruses from reproducing inside your body. They are best taken within two days of symptoms.
Symptoms that require urgent medical attention:
In children:
• Severe vomiting
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Extreme irritability
• Dehydration
• Fever with rash
• Flu-like symptoms improve but return with worse cough and fever
• Difficulty in breathing
• Chest / abdomen pains
• Sudden dizziness
• Severe vomiting
• Confusion
• Flu-like symptoms improve but return with worse cough and fever
