Facts about H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

Facts about H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
To date most people around the world who have contracted the H1N1 virus suffer a relatively mild illness which can be cured on its own without medication. A very low proportion of cases are reported with serious health problems.

Currently, the virus is expected to be prevalent in communities around the globe for some months to come. This virus spreads from person-to-person, probably the same way that seasonal influenza

viruses spread. There are many actions you can take to protect yourself, your family and the workplace.

Signs and symptoms of the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include fever, cough, headache, body aches, chills, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat and running nose. A significant number of people who have been infected with the H1N1 virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.

The high risk groups for H1N1 flu are not known definitively at this time, but it’s possible that they may be the same as is the case for seasonal influenza. People at higher risk of serious complications from seasonal flu include people over the age of 65 years, children below the age of five years, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and those who are immunosuppressive (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications, infected with HIV). Researchers are still trying to determine if younger people are more susceptible to H1N1 Flu.

How to prevent the spread of H1N1 Flu?

Wash Your Hands:

• Before eating or preparing food
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• After using the washroom

Hand washing technique:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Rinse well, with hands held downward. Dry with a paper towel, then use the towel to turn off the faucet

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand cleanser. Alcohol-based hand cleansers significantly reduce the number of germs

Spread of germs:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often spread when a person touches something contaminated and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Attempt to keep at least three (3) feet or one (1) meter away from ill individuals
• When sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick

Practice respiratory etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, use tissues and dispose them properly. Wash your hands afterwards

Workplace instructions if you become ill or exposed

This restriction applies for seven (7) calendar days from the last date of exposure to the ill person. During this time period, the exposed
individual should conduct self screening tests daily for identifying symptoms of illness.

Self screening
Individuals are asked to perform H1N1 Flu illness self screening, following exposure to a confirmed or suspected case. The following steps are to be conducted for self screening:

Step One: Check whether you have symptoms of illness including fever, cough, sore throat or body ache.

Step Two: Check your temperature using a standard, good quality thermometer following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step Three: If you have symptoms as described in Step One or have a temperature greater than 100.4 deg (or 38 deg C).

Please monitor the situation very closely and remains vigilant in its surveillance of the disease.