IT’S SWINE FLU H1N1 which is called swine flu not bird flu—H1N5 is bird flu, Symptoms of the Influenza virus include: • Sudden high fever (over 38°C or 100°F) • Sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose • Coughing • Headache • Body aches • Fatigue Persons experiencing Influenza-like symptoms and any signs of faintness, weakness or breathing difficulty should present themselves immediately to the nearest Hospital Emergency Room for management. Persons in high-risk groups experiencing flu-like symptoms should seek early medical attention. These groups include: • Pregnant women • Children under 2 years of age; • Persons with respiratory complications like asthma and chronic lung disease; • Persons with weakened immune systems including persons on chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy for transplants or other medical conditions; • Persons with chronic non-communicable diseases including diabetes; • Persons 65 years and older; How is the flu spread? The main way influenza (flu) viruses are spread is through droplets released into the air from the coughs and sneezes of an infected person. This can happen when droplets are inhaled directly by people nearby. Some droplets containing the virus also fall on hard surfaces (like desks, tables, phones and door knobs). People pick up the virus when they touch these surfaces and then touch their eyes, mouth or nose. Another common method of infection is by shaking hands with someone who has not maintained proper respiratory and hand hygiene, and failing to wash your own hands before touching your face (especially your nose). When can an infected person spread the flu virus to others? Infected persons can spread the flu virus from 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 days after symptoms appear. Children, especially younger children, can be contagious for much longer periods (10 to 14 days). the most important part of prevention is the social part of covering your mouth when you sneeze and cough. “Because when you cough and you sneeze the droplets go approximately six feet. When you do wash you hands you can use sanitisers to kill the virus, sunlight and fresh air kills the virus. Washing of hands with soap and water is important,”
Posted on: Fri, 04 Oct 2013 11:37:58 +0000
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