Department of Health today reported the death of a 49-year old female who is known to have a pre-existing chronic heart disease was also found to be positive for A (H1N1). He said that the patient presented with flu-like symptoms starting on June 17 consisting of dry cough, fever and chills and difficulty of breathing just before death on June 19.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said that post-autopsy findings disclosed that the death was caused by congestive heart failure secondary to acute myocardial infarction aggravated by severe pneumonia either bacterial, viral or both. He said a throat-swab revealed that she was positive for A (H1N1).
“Given the available information, we cannot conclude that the death is due to A (H1N1). But in other countries which have reported A (H1N1) deaths, majority have pre-existing medical conditions. We condole with the family of the patient as we mourn her untimely death,’’ Duque said.
Because of this first reported case of death in a patient with an incidental finding of A (H1N1) in the country, Duque said that the Department of Health will be more aggressive in targeting segments of patients with a high vulnerability to fatal flu complications saying that they should be the ones receiving the most care and attention by health care professionals.
“We want to make it clear that high-risk groups, once they have the flu symptoms, should immediately go to their doctor. They should not wait for their symptoms to worsen because they are prone to many infections other than the novel virus such as our seasonal flu strains. These are patients with uncontrolled diabetes, frank cardiovascular disease, COPD, organ transplant recipients, those who are immuno compromised, those with chronic liver and kidney disease, people suffering from other infections like HIV/AIDs and TB, pregnant women and the very young and the elderly,” Duque clarified.
At present, the DOH is revising the interim guidelines for managing and treating A (H1N1) cases to ensure that vulnerable populations are prioritized and receive immediately the appropriate modicum of care. This is in accordance with the Pandemic Alert Level 6 declaration of the World Health Organization which recommends to its member states to focus on managing cases, especially severe ones, rather than containment to prevent the spread of the virus.
“We would like to reemphasize that, globally and locally, the overwhelming majority of cases only experience mild symptoms and, eventually, make a rapid and full recovery, often even without any form of medical intervention,” Duque stressed.
“It is prudent for parents to seek professional care for children with rapid breathing, excessive drowsiness or dehydration. In adults, chest pain, prolonged fever or labored breathing should prompt warnings to see a doctor,” Duque reminded the public.
“We need to make sure that our resources are efficiently used and that they will give us the best outcomes by targeting people who are at risk for developing complications,’ Duque said. Meanwhile, Duque advised the public to continue heeding the recommendations of the DOH on proper handwashing, cough etiquette, and other hygiene practices.
“The best defense against A (H1N1) and other diseases is to boost your immune system. Most people can fight off this virus without special medications or hospitalization. You can stay at home and take supportive care like plenty of fluids, vitamins and bed rest,” Duque stressed.
Duque also disclosed that 35 more have fully recovered from the novel virus, thus bringing the total count of those who have fully recovered to 374. This number constitutes 84% of the total confirmed cases reported since May 21.
Duque also said that there are 17 more confirmed cases recorded today. These additional patients bring the total sum of confirmed cases to 445.
The new 17 cases involved 8 males and 9 females. The age range of these cases is 11-58 years old, with 19 as median age. Duque noted that 15 of these cases are Filipinos, while the remaining 2 are foreigners. He added that of 3 of these 17 cases have travelled to a country affected with A (H1N1). On the other hand, as of June 19, the World Health Organization reported 44,287 cases with 180 deaths from 90 reporting countries.
source: http://www.doh.gov.ph/
Here in our country the cases of Influenza A (N1H1) is beginning to rise as of this moment there are 54 cases in our country this virus is spreading fast, but still many Filipinos doesn't know what is this virus and what to do in case they have it so I decided to post here the FAQ about Influenza A (N1H1) from The DOH, Lets help to spread the information about this virus to avoid the fast spreading of the virus. Spread the word not the virus. Post the Health Advisory on any, anywhere you can post it.
What is Influenza A (H1N1)?
* Influenza A(H1N1) is caused by a novel virus that resulted from the re assortment of 4 viruses from pigs, human and birds
* It is a new virus causing illness in people
* It was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States
* This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread
* There is no vaccine yet to protect humans from this virus
* There are existing and recommended medicines that are effective in treating these Influenza A(H1N1)
* Influenza A(H1N1) can be fatal to humans due to severe respiratory distress (pneumonia)
Why this new Influenza A(H1N1) virus is sometimes called “swine flu”?
* This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory tests showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.
Do pigs carry this virus and can people catch this virus from a pig?
* At this time, there is no evidence that swine in the United States are infected with this new virus. However, there are flu viruses that commonly cause outbreaks of illness in pigs. Most of the time, these viruses do not infect people, but influenza viruses can spread back and forth between pigs and people.
Are there human infections with this virus?
* Yes. Cases of human infection with this virus were first confirmed in the U.S. in Southern California and near Guadalupe Country, Texas. The outbreak intensified rapidly from that time and more and more states have been reporting cases of illness from this virus. Other countries with confirmed cases include Mexico, United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, China (Mainland China, Hongkong), Portugal, Poland, Guatemala, Spain, Costa Rica, Colombia, Denmark, El Salvador, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, Panama.
Is this new virus contagious?
* Yes, Influenza A(H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in humans?
* Similar to the symptoms of regular flu such as:
* Fever
* Headache
* Fatigue
* Muscle or joint pains
* Lack of appetite
* Runny nose
* Sore throat
* Cough
* Some cases have reported diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
How severe is illness associated with this virus?
* It is not known at this time how severe this virus will be in the general population. Experts are studying the medical histories of people who have been infected with this virus to determine whether some people may be at greater risk from infection, serious illness, or hospitalization from the virus.
How does Influenza A(H1N1) virus spread?
* Coughing or sneezing by people with influenza
* Touching things with flu viruses on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes
Can I get infected with Influenza A(H1N1) from eating or preparing pork?
* No, you can’t get influenza A(H1N1) by eating properly handled and thorough cooked pork and pork products
* The virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160 F/70 C.
What is the incubation period?
* 7 to 10 days from the time of exposure to the first onset of signs and symptoms
How long can an infected person spread Influenza A(H1N1) to others?
* Infected person maybe contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
Are there medicines to treat infection with AH1N1?
* Yes. Oseltamivirr or zanamivir are the recommended drugs to treat and or prevent infection with this virus. You have to consult a doctor before using these drugs to avoid resistance.
Is there prophylaxis for the Influenza A(H1N1)?
* Yes. For further information refer to Interim Guideline # 1.
Is vaccine available to protect people from getting infected with AH1N1?
* No, at present there is no vaccine against this virus.
How can we prevent the spread of the virus?
1. Observe proper personal hygiene:
* Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
* Wash hands regularly with soap and water, at least for 20 seconds (or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers) especially after handling patients and specimen, before and after eating, after using the toilet and as necessary.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
2. Increase your body’s resistance
* Have at least 8 hours of sleep
* Be physically active
* Manage your stress
* Drink plenty of fluids
* Eat nutritious food, especially fruits and vegetables
3. Social distancing.
* Avoid crowded places.
* Avoid close contact with sick people.
* Stay home if you are sick until you are free from symptoms to prevent the spread of the virus.
What to do if somebody gets sick?
* • If there is flu like symptoms, consult the doctor immediately.
* Report to the proper health authorities .
Is there a pandemic risk on Influenza A(H1N1)?
* Yes. If the Influenza A(H1N1) establishes efficient and sustained human-to-human transmission then it can cause an influenza pandemic. The impact of a pandemic is difficult to predict. It depends on virulence of the virus, existing immunity among people, cross protection by antibodies acquired from seasonal influenza infection and host factors.
The following DOH Hospitals are designated as Referral Centers for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases like Influenza A(H1N1):
National Referral Center
Research for Tropical Medicine (RITM)
Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
Tel No. 809-7599
Sub-national Referral Centers
A. Luzon and Metro Manila
San Lazaro Hospital
Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Tel. No. (02) 732-3776 to 78
Lung Center of the Philippines
Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Tel. No. (02) 924-6101/Fax No.:924-0707
B. Visayas
Vicente Sotto Medical Center
Cebu City
Tel. No. (032) 253-9891/254-0057
C. Mindanao
Davao Medical Center
Bajada, Davao City
Tel. No. (082) 227-2731
Satellite Referral Hospitals
Regional Hospitals/Medical Centers of 16 regions (list down the 16 regional hospitals)
Mariano Marcos Memorial Hosp. and Medical Center
Batac, Ilocos Norte
(077) 792-3144; 792-5002; 792-5051
Cagayan Valley Medical Center
Tuguegarao, Cagayan
(078) 844-3789; 844-1410; 844-0033; 0917-9356201
Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital
San Fernando, Pampanga
(045) 961-3921; 961-3380; 961-3363
Batangas Regional Hospital
Batangas City, Batangas
(043) 723-0911; 980-1743
Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital
Legaspi City, Albay
(052) 483-0016; 483-0015; 480-0635; 483-0808
Western Visayas Medical Center
Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Iloilo
(033) 321-1797; 321-0638; 321-2841
Western Visayas Regional Hospital
Bacolod City
(03) 433-2697 435-1591 loc. 241
Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center
Magsaysay Blvd., Tacloban City
(053) 321-133; 321-3129; 321-2816; 325-8438
Zamboanga City Medical Center
Zamboanga City
(062) 991-2934
Northern Mindanao Medical Center
Cagayan de Oro City
(08822) 728-829; 723-735
(088) 858-4064
(0917) 950-4287
(0918) 534-5333
Cotabato Regional and Medical Center
Cotabato City, North Cotabato
(064) 421-2192; 421-2340 local 103
Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center
Baguio City
(074) 442-3165
Caraga Regional Hospital
Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
(086) 231-7090; 826-2459; 826-3157
Be vigilant!
If you have flu like symptoms and history of travel to Influenza A(H1N1) affected countries/areas, immediately consult a doctor.
For more information on Influenza A(H1N1), call (02) 711-1001 or 711-1002
source: www.doh.gov.ph
DOH Secretary Duque today lauded school authorities of the De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila at Taft Avenue for implementing a self-imposed temporary suspension of classes for 10 days beginning today after an international exchange student tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1).
This is in consonance with Response Level 3 of the Guidelines on A (H1N1) for schools which state that school authorities should suspend classes after detection of at least one confirmed case and there is no sustained community transmission.
The new confirmed case is a 21 year-old female foreign student who arrived in the country last May 12. According to DLSU officials, classes officially started on May 25 for the first trimester of this school year. The foreign student only reported very mild symptoms on May 29 which came to the attention of school authorities.
The student consulted a health facility on May 31where she was examined and tested for the presence of the virus through a throat swab. The specimen turned positive for A (H1N1) as confirmed today by RITM.
Duque said that the DOH is currently investigating and doing contact tracing to see if there were other exposed individuals related to this new case. Initial findings reveal that there is very limited exposure of other students to the confirmed case and that both DOH and school authorities can trace them.
Meanwhile, Duque already met the officials of DLSU to discuss the situation and come up with the next steps to prevent the spread of the virus to other students, faculty and other school staff.
Brother Armin Luistro FSC, President and Chancellor of the De La Salle University, expressed his full cooperation with the DOH on the ongoing containment measures and said that DLSU will immediately invoke the recommended measures contained in the Response Level System in Schools initially released by the DOH last May 31.
Starting tomorrow, June 4, classes will be suspended at the University and will last until June 14 in accordance with the guidelines set by the DOH.
The De La Salle University has already informed the students and faculty who were in the same class as the confirmed case to do self-monitoring of symptoms at home and to report immediately at designated hotlines if they become ill.
Meanwhile, Secretary Duque appealed to these students and school staff to temporarily avoid going to malls and other crowded areas during the period of class suspension.
As a precautionary measure, although they do not belong to the affected classes, all other students, faculty and personnel of DLSU should consider self-monitoring and avoiding crowded gatherings as well.
Secretary Duque thanked the officials of DLSU for keeping their school clinic open for any consultation during the period of class suspension. Students and faculty are therefore advised to report any symptom at this clinic which will in turn refer the cases to designated DOH referral facilities when necessary.
To date, the total number of confirmed cases of a (H1N1) in the country is now at 22.
Duque said that the three previously reported confirmed cases will be discharged today. To date, 14 of the 22 confirmed cases have already been sent home.
Since May 1, 2009, the DOH has monitored a total of 401 CUOs. Of these, 22 are positive A(H1N1) cases, 78 have pending laboratory results, and 301 are negative for A(H1N1) and have been discarded. There are 56 new Cases Under Observation (CUOs) today.
In their latest report, the World Health Organization reported 1,900 new cases and 16 deaths. There are now a total of 17,410 cases and 115 deaths from 62 reporting countries.
DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY A (H1N1) Hotline: 526-5913DOH Hotline : 711-1001 / 711-1002
http://www.doh.gov.ph/
Many people believe that of "flu" is the same disease as the common cold and that is relatively harmless condition. This is a misconception, since every year millions of people around the world are infected by the flu virus, which causes thousands of people to die as a result of its complications.
Flu is a highly contagious viral disease, which spread quickly by small airborne particles through talking, coughing and sneezing. A flu episode could result in minimum of five days bed rest as well as a two-week recovery period. Characteristics of flu symptoms are coughing, headache, fever, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. influenza can lead to serious pulmonary complications including pneumonia, croup,asthma and bronchitis and can cause death among high-risk people
By comparison a cold is transmitted in a similar manner to flu and may have similar symptoms, but is a milder form of respiratory infection and usually less severe symptoms. It is also not as dangerous as flu.
Everyone is at risk for contracting influenza, however those at risk of developing complications from flu include people of 65 years of age or older with underlying chronic heart and lung disease including asthma, with metabolic disease like diabetes and renal failure, children on aspirin therapy and those who are immuno- suppressed. Persons who come who come in contact with such high-risk individuals. such as caregivers and household contacts shroud also be vaccinated.
Flu treatments are not always satisfactory. Antibiotics are ineffective against the virus although they may help with the treatment of complications and secondary infections like bacterial pneumonia. On the other hand, vaccination against flu has been repeatedly shown to reduce the incidence of flu or at least reduce its severity, and remained the most effective method of controlling it
