About Influenza A(H1N1) (1) 1 May 2009
Human cases of swine influenza have occurred in Mexico and the other countries in the world. It can be transmitted from one person to another.
WHO has decided to raise the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5 on April 29th. This means that human to human group infection is spreading through each region and it happens in over 2 countries. Also, it could result in a pandemic.
Since phase 4 alert was released, Beppu City started the Pandemic Influenza Control Center in the Health and Medical Treatment Division.
About Swine Influenza
What is Swine Influenza?
Swine Influenza occurs thru the infection of influenza virus A (swine influenza virus) and causes a respiratory disease. Swine flu is common in swine.
It is rare in humans, however it is confirmed occasionally in some countries such as the United States. In most cases, people who work with swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at risk of catching swine influenza. In the United States, the case has been reported once in every one or two years, and between February 2005 and February 2009, twelve cases were reported.
Infection in Humans
- (1) Infection Route
- In most cases, it had been transmitted to human thru contact infection of swine. But now, same as normal influenza, it is considered that there is a possibility to get infected thru droplets of moisture expelled from the upper respiratory tract through sneezing or coughing.
- (2) Symptom
- Same as normal influenza, it will cause a fever, a feeling of exhaustion, a loss of appetite or a cough. It can also show symptoms of nose running, pharynx ache, vomiting or diarrhea.
- (3) Diagnosis
- It can be checked by taking out a specimen from the upper respiratory tract within 4 – 5 days after being infected.
Through genetic test, we can confirm whether swine influenza or not.
- (4) Treatment
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- Use anti-influenza drugs. Tamiflu or Relenza is recommended.
- (5) Precautions
- There is no vaccine for human now.
Same as normal influenza, cover your mouse when you cough.
- Turn your face away and cover your mouse and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Put the tissue in a plastic bag and tightly tie or in a lidded garbage box.
- When you are having a fever, a cough or a sneeze, do not forget to wear a mask.
- Use a soap and wash your hands well after coughing or sneezing.
FAQ
- Q：Do I get the influenza from eating pork?
- No, you do not get the swine influenza from eating port or pork products. It is safe to eat pork if it is handled properly and well cooked. Same as the other bacteria and virus, swine influenza virus can be easily killed when cooked at a temperature higher than 71 degrees Celsius.
- Q：Since I came back from Mexico,
I have been having flu symptoms such as a fever. What should I do?
- If you worry about chances of being infected by the Swine Flu after coming back from Mexico or the United States, consult with the Tobu (Eastern) Health Center instead of going to see a doctor at 0977-67-2511. We will inform you medical institutions in charge of Swine Flu.
- Q：Is there anything I can do now?
- If swine flu spreads across the country, the first peak will last for 6 – 8 weeks. If it does, lifeline such as gas/water supply can be shut off. Store up foods, water, daily necessities and medicines at least for two weeks, if possible for two months.
Also, when you go out, wear a mask, and after coming back, wash your hands and rinse out your mouse well.
Contact
English support is available. Please call 097-506-2669.
English support is available from 9:00 – 17:00 on both weekdays and holidays.
If the flu occurs in the prefecture, we will provide you with Korean and Chinese support as well from 9:00 – 21:00.