At present, China has found two cases of imported influenza A (H1N1) confirmed cases, so that we feel that influenza A (H1N1) is one step closer to us, but it is not terrible, influenza A (H1N1) can be prevented, controlled and treatable. Should strengthen the public, especially to the influenza A (H1N1) epidemic countries travelers to prevent and control human infection with influenza A (H1N1) virus health knowledge to improve the public’s ability to protect themselves.
1, what is influenza A (H1N1)?
Influenza A (H1N1) is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by several swine influenza A virus one of the most common is the H1N1 subtype, generally showing high morbidity and low mortality (1%-4%). The virus is transmitted in pigs by aerosol, direct and indirect contact, and can be transmitted by asymptomatic pigs carrying the virus. In temperate regions, inter-pig outbreaks can occur throughout the year, but the incidence is higher in autumn and winter. Many countries routinely vaccinate swine herds to prevent influenza A (H1N1).
2, influenza A (H1N1) virus is infectious to people?
Usually human rarely infected with influenza A (H1N1) virus. In recent years in the United States and other places there have been human cases of influenza A (H1N1), the majority of patients have direct contact with sick pigs.
It has been determined that the virus, which is currently occurring in the United States and Mexico, is infectious and is spreading from person to person. However, it is not yet known the degree of difficulty in the interpersonal transmission of such viruses.
3, influenza A H1N1 general human health impact?
Scattered cases and outbreaks of human infection with influenza A (H1N1) virus have been occasionally reported. Generally speaking, the clinical performance of influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is similar to seasonal influenza. However, according to the cases that have been reported, the clinical manifestations are diverse and can have asymptomatic infection or severe pneumonia resulting in death.
Because the clinical signs of typical human influenza A(H1N1) virus infection are similar to those of seasonal influenza and other acute upper respiratory tract infections, most cases can sometimes be detected through seasonal influenza surveillance. However, light cases and asymptomatic infections may be difficult to be detected, so the disease in humans infected with the real situation is unclear.
4, how people are infected with influenza A (H1N1)?
Influenza A (H1N1) virus usually outbreaks in pigs, humans generally do not suffer from influenza A (H1N1), but human cases of infection can still occur, but also did occur. Therefore, the influenza A (H1N1) virus may also be transmitted between people, and its main transmission routes are
Through contact with infected pigs or contaminated with influenza A (H1N1) virus in the environment and infection.
Through contact with humans infected with influenza A (H1N1) virus. Interpersonal transmission of influenza A (H1N1) has also been documented in the literature, and the transmission pathway and seasonal influenza may be the same. Ordinary human influenza is mainly through the infected patient cough or sneeze and interpersonal transmission.
5, whether the consumption of pork will be infected with influenza A (H1N1)?
There is no evidence that influenza A (H1N1) can be transmitted through food. Therefore, the consumption of properly handled cooked pork and pork products is safe. Pork will be cooked to an internal temperature of 71 degrees Celsius, which can kill bacteria and viruses.
6, people infected with influenza A (H1N1) how serious?
As with seasonal influenza, the severity of human infection with influenza A (H1N1) varies, ranging from mild to severe. In 2005 to January 2009, the United States found 12 cases of human infection with influenza A (H1N1) cases, there were no deaths. However, influenza A (H1N1) infections can also have serious consequences. on September 1, 1988, a 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin who had been in good health was hospitalized for pneumonia after contracting influenza A (H1N1), but died eight days later. in 1976, an outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in Fort Dix, New Jersey, caused more than 200 cases, many people became seriously ill, and one person died. . The influenza A (H1N1) epidemic, all 18 confirmed cases in Mexico died.
7, people infected with influenza A (H1N1) after the symptoms and performance of what?
People infected with influenza A (H1N1) after the symptoms are similar to those of ordinary human influenza, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, etc. Some will also appear with influenza A (H1N1) related to diarrhea and vomiting symptoms, the heavy will be secondary to pneumonia and respiratory failure, and even death. Previously also reported serious illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and death caused by human infection with influenza A (H1N1).
8, the infected person will Influenza A (H1N1) to others how long it takes?
Influenza A (H1N1) virus infected patients as long as the symptoms, in the seven days after the onset of the time should be considered potentially infectious. Children, especially young children, may be potentially infectious in a longer period of time.
9, whether there is a vaccine to prevent influenza A (H1N1)?
There is no vaccine to prevent human infection with influenza A (H1N1), but influenza A (H1N1) is still preventable, controllable and treatable.
10, whether there is a treatment of influenza A (H1N1) drugs?
Oseltamivir or zanamivir can treat and/or prevent infection with these influenza A (H1N1) viruses. The antiviral drugs are all prescription drugs (pills, liquid formulations or inhalers) that can be used to fight off the flu by inhibiting the replication of the flu virus in the body. If a person becomes ill, antiviral medications can reduce the illness and allow a person to recover quickly. These medications can also prevent serious complications from influenza. For treatment, antiviral drugs are most effective if started immediately after illness (within 2 days of the onset of symptoms).
11, how to diagnose human cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection?
Diagnosis of influenza A (H1N1) cases, usually need to take respiratory samples within the first 4-5 days of the patient’s illness (when the infected person is most likely to isolate the virus). However, some individuals, especially children, may isolate the virus within 10 days or more. To identify the influenza A H1N1 virus, samples need to be sent to the CDC for laboratory testing.
12.What measures can be taken to prevent yourself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available for influenza A (H1N1). However, everyday behaviors can help prevent the spread of germs that can cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. These everyday steps to protect your health include.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissues in the trash after use.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Ethanol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
Try to avoid close contact with patients.
Avoid contact with pigs or places where pigs are present.
Avoid crowded places.
If you have the flu, the Centers for Disease Control will recommend staying home from work or school and reducing contact with others to avoid transmission. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose or mouth, as germs can be spread this way.
13. What steps should I take if I become ill?
Once you become ill, you should stay home and avoid contact with others as much as possible to avoid spreading the disease to others.
If you become ill and feel any of the following warning signs, seek immediate medical attention.
For children, urgent warning signs that require emergency medical attention include
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Cyanosis of the skin.
Failure to drink adequate fluids.
Unwakefulness or unresponsiveness to sleep.
A child becoming so anxious that he or she will not be held.
Improvement of flu-like symptoms, but a relapse with fever and severe cough.
Fever, accompanied by a rash.
For adults, urgent warning signs that require urgent medical attention include
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.
Sudden dizziness.
14. How can people traveling abroad strengthen prevention?
As of April 28, human influenza A (H1N1) infection in the Americas, Australia, Oceania, 15 reported confirmed or suspected cases, including Mexico, the United States, Spain and other countries with a higher incidence. It is recommended that when traveling to the above-mentioned regions for business and travel, you should be aware of the progress of the local epidemic and take good personal protection. Travel agencies are responsible for informing tour members of the epidemic and reminding them to take personal precautions when organizing tours to the above-mentioned regions.
If influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, etc.) appear outside the country, they should immediately seek medical attention (wear a mask when seeking medical attention) and explain to local public health agencies and inspection and quarantine departments.
15.How to strengthen prevention for returnees?
Returning to the country from the above-mentioned areas, such as influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, runny, etc.), should take the initiative to the entry-exit inspection and quarantine agencies.
Return from the above-mentioned areas within 2 weeks, such as the emergence of flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, runny, etc.), should promptly contact the local health disease control departments.