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/
No Country is safe against N1H1 Too bad our country is now on the list of N1H1 case because the Department of Health is officially announcing this evening the first confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) in the Philippines.
A The 10-year-old arrived in the Philippines with her parents on May 18, Monday, from the United States and Canada. A throat specimen was collected, and was tested at the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) on May 20, Wednesday, after she developed fever, sore throat and cough.
Today, RITM confirmed that the specimen tested positive for the novel Influenza A (H1N1) on PCR using the primers sent by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
She was immediately started on an antiviral, Oseltamivir, and given supportive care. At this time, the patient is continuously being monitored. She no longer has fever or cough, but still has sore throat.
The DOH would like to emphasize that there is no community level outbreak in the country and measures are being done by the government to prevent transmission, starting with the quarantine of household close contacts.
The family of the patient has been informed and advised about the situation. We would like to thank them for their cooperation and willingness to comply with the recommendations of the DOH. They were advised to observe self-monitoring, home quarantine, social distancing, proper hygiene and respiratory etiquette procedures.
DOH appeal to our media partners and the rest of the nation to respect the privacy and anonymity of the patient and her family. Rest assured that any information vital to protect public health and safety will be appropriately shared to those concerned.
The DOH also stresses that the discovery of this first case of Influenza A(H1N1) in the Philippines is something we have been preparing for and is a result of the collective efforts of both public and private sectors as well as the effective surveillance system which we have put in place.
The DOH has already notified the International Health Regulations (IHR) and will submit its official report in 24 hours.
Influenza A (H1N1) is currently affecting 41 other countries with 11,034 cases and 85 deaths. Thus far, the behavior of the virus is to cause generally mild illness and low mortality (<1%)>
This development only shows the vulnerability of all countries to the threat of Influenza A (H1N1) which indicates that no nation and no government should be complacent. Thus, we continue to strengthen our systems for surveillance, early detection and management and effective response. We are also closely coordinating with the WHO, other agencies of government and the private sector to effectively combat the virus.
THe DOH's stockpiles of Oseltamivir is currently sufficient at 1 million capsules and have been distributed in regional hubs all over the country. DOH would like to remind the public that Oseltamivir may only be dispensed and taken upon the advice of your doctor. Irrational use can result in drug resistance that causes the drug to become ineffective in the future.
DOH reiterate to the public that government is on top of the situation and everyone is advised to be vigilant. If you have arrived from an affected country and develop flu-like symptoms (or TRANGKASO) such as fever, sore throat and cough, immediately consult a medical professional or call the DOH Hotline at (02) 711-1001 or 711-1002.
This situation is evolving globally. DOH will give regular updates to the media and the public as information becomes available.
To know more about Influenza A(H1N1), you may go to the DOH Influenza A(H1N1) Website at www.doh.gov.ph/h1n1
As of date, The DOH (Department of Health) have not found any Filipino resident or any visitor to the Philippines to be influenza A (H1N1)-positive. From the among the 49 cases that had been reported by government and private hospitals to have undergone clinical observation in their facilities and whose laboratory results have been processed by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, NONE have tested positive for the influenza A (H1N1) virus. Thus, all these 49 cases have been declared definitely "not A (H1N1)" cases and have been discharged.
From May 1, 2009 until today, 49 total cases under observation or CUOs at various government and private hospital facilities had been reported to the RITM for laboratory confirmation. This is an increase of 3 from yesterday’s total of 46 CUOs. All laboratory results are in and, we reiterate that all are negative and all CUOs had been discharged clear of the new influenza virus. This indicates that it is highly probable that the influenza A (H1N1) virus or its carrier has, so far, not been able to penetrate our public health cordon.
However, on the global front, WHO (World Health Organization) reports that every day more countries are finding laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1). It has been found in North and South American, European and Asian countries, and in Australia and New Zealand as well. There are now 5,728 cases and 61 deaths reported and confirmed by the WHO from 33 countries. This is the reason why we continue to be vigilant and to institute measures to tighten our defenses at the various ports of entry at Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Systematically and without causing undue alarm and panic, The National Quarantine Officers, in coordination with airline and shipping authorities, have patiently required travelers coming from influenza-affected countries to be screened for signs and symptoms of the virus. However, because of the variable onset of signs and symptoms of the new influenza, DOH cannot presume to have a completely foolproof screening system.
Thus today, DOH are issuing an "Interim Guideline for Public Gatherings in Response to the Influenza A (H1N1) Threat." This Guideline will apply to all persons who have commitments or have choices to make with regards attending, gracing or hosting public gatherings. The Guideline is patterned after the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, USA, though, it is tailor-fit to the risks we have locally at present. This means that as the disease pattern and risks change and as information is updated, the DOH may have to issue newer guides to the public for the prevention and containment of influenza A (H1N1).
This Guideline is focused on precautionary measures all of us should employ when organizing or when attending public gatherings where we are likely to be exposed to probable positive cases of influenza A (H1N1) virus—we would like to emphasize here that these precautionary measures are applicable now while we have yet no evidence of any positive case of influenza A (H1N1) infection among our incoming travelers nor of community transmission.
The guideline refers to public gathering as defined by CDC:
"an assembly or grouping of many people in one place…and can include commencement exercises, church services, sporting events, concerts, social and cultural celebrations, weddings, conferences and other similar activities attended by relatively large groups of people." The common denominator of all these is any situation in which crowding is likely to occur. While we advocate for social distancing as the principal measure to protect one’s self while among or when coming from a community with known positive cases, we are recommending this set of precautionary measures for public gatherings in general, while we have YET no public health indication to ban public gatherings as in some parts of Mexico.
The principles used for this Guideline has been applied to our People’s Hero, Manny Pacquiao … is now being applied to American Idol, David Cook and American Idol runner-up, David Archuleta, and will be therefore be applied to other public gatherings of such nature.
In brief, DOH are recommending that event organizers and event hosts to: (1) provide information to guests, participants or audience about what to do in case they have flu-like illness, (2) make available adequate hand washing facilities with disinfectant soap or sanitizers and (3) suggest other options for participation such as video-conferencing, wider open spaces, etc.
All persons, especially those in public places, are recommended to practice healthful respiratory- or lung-clearing practices and regular hand washing. Those who have known health problems that make them susceptible to infections are advised to keep away from crowds. Health care workers who are tasked to handle emergencies in public gatherings are advised to have personal protective N95 masks ready for persons who may develop the signs and symptoms of influenza A (H1N1).
The DOH would like to thank the press and media practitioners and the general public for their interest and understanding of the public health situation. I also thank especially those who have cooperated with us in this daunting and necessary work of preventing the entry of influenza A (H1N1) to the country…those who have been working 24 hours in our ports of entry and referral hospitals and those who have allowed to be subjected to hospital-based or home quarantine.
Today May 15, the Department of Health reported five new cases under observation. Four were negative for influenza A (H1N1), while the laboratory result for one case is still pending. The total number of cases that the DOH monitored since May 1 to May 14 is now 54. Forty-five of these cases were reported from the National Capital Region, six from Region VII, and one case each for Regions IV-A, V and X.
The reported cases had history of travel to the following countries with confirmed influenza A (H1N1) cases: Australia, Canada, China (Mainland), Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
As of May 14, the World Health Organization has reported no new countries with confirmed cases of A (H1N1). The total number of confirmed influenza A (H1N1) cases reported in 33 countries is now 6,497. This is a 13% increase compared to the number reported in the previous day (5,728). The most number of new confirmed cases (387/769) was from Mexico. No new deaths were reported; the total number of deaths is still 61.
While the Philippines is still free from Influenza A (H1N1), the DOH reiterates that they will continue to intensify its surveillance in ports, airports and the community so that cases of influenza A (H1N1) are detected early and appropriate control measures implemented immediately.
Interim Guidelines No. 4
On Public Gatherings in Response to Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Threat
Given the current information on the status of influenza A (H1N1) in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) issues the following interim guidelines on "Public Gatherings in Response to Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Threat" for the guidance of event organizers, local officials, health care providers and the general public.
Definition
Public Gathering refers to a congregation or grouping of several people in an area or activity. Examples of a gathering are social and cultural celebrations like fiestas, conferences, concerts, sports event, and other comparable activities, both indoor and outdoor, where crowding of people may occur.
Public gatherings are usually festive and personal contact like handshaking, hugging and kissing likely occur, thereby increasing the risk for spread of Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
For All Persons Attending a Public Gathering:
Practice proper cough manners and cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and wash hands after doing so
- Maintain personal hygiene, especially regular hand washing with soap and water or sanitizer
- At the first signs and symptoms of flu-like illness, defer from attending a public gathering and seek medical consultation
- Persons who are at high risk of complications from Influenza A (H1N1) infection should avoid exposure to this virus by reconsidering attendance to public gatherings. Persons at high risk are:
- Persons with certain chronic medical conditions and the immuno-compromised
- Children less than 5 years and persons 60 or older
- Pregnant women
For Event Organizers or Hosts:
- Determine the time required to achieve the purpose of the public gathering and avoid extending the period of time that people are gathered as crowds
- Provide alternative options and venues for participation. In general, open spaces are preferable over indoor venues.
- Make adequately available at the event the following basic facilities and services:
- Hand washing facilities with soap and running water or hand sanitizers
- Garbage bins for proper disposal of tissues, disposable cups and other items
- On-site medical assessment team that is adequately equipped to screen persons developing flu-like illness
- Ensure that frequently touched objects and surfaces had been adequately disinfected, e.g. door knobs, tabletops, chairs, toilets, etc.
- Deliver key educational messages about measures attendees can take to help reduce the spread of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus infection
For the Local Officials, Health Officers and other officials with jurisdiction over the Public Gathering:
- Reinforce guidelines on public gatherings for event organizers and hosts by issuing corresponding memorandum or ordinances
- Provide key educational messages to event organizers and the public on the prevention and control of influenza A (H1N1) virus, such as: local situation with regards influenza A (H1N1), health alerts and advisories derived from newspapers and official websites, etc.
- Complement the preparations made by event organizers in the provision of adequate facilities and services for the public gathering
- Plan for the provision of on-site medical assistance for possible medical emergencies
- Report any incidence of flu-like illness manifesting or found in community or area where public gatherings are planned
In the event that a suspected case of Influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is reported in the scheduled public gathering, the DOH is authorized to investigate, make recommendations and assist the community to contain the infection, as specified in Republic Act No. 9271, Quarantine Act of 2004, "An Act Strengthening the Regulatory Capacity of the Department of Health in Quarantine and International Health Surveillance":
Section 1.4.b provides for the "apprehension, detention or surveillance for the purpose of preventing the introduction, transmission or spread of such public health emergencies of international concern as may be specified in Department Orders by the Secretary of Health upon the recommendation of the international health surveillance."
Implementing Rules and Regulations of "Quarantine Act of 2004", pursuant to RA 9271 further specifies under Section 53.2:
In the event of an outbreak of public health emergency of international concern in a community, the Director of the Bureau shall recommend to the Secretary of Health the following measures:
- "apprehension, detention / isolation or surveillance of suspect / cases;
- place under active or passive surveillance, individuals who have been exposed to the infection considered as dangerous contact; and
- declare an area or community "under quarantine" where the public health emergency occurs."
source: http://www.doh.gov.ph/
If you think you have signs and symptoms of this virus don't think twice to see a specialist because this virus is really spreading around the globe. As of today, The World Health Organization has raised its tally of confirmed human cases of swine flu to 331 from 257.
The global body says 11 countries have now reported confirmed cases. Mexico has reported 156 cases and 9 deaths. The United States has 109 cases and 1 death.Canada has 34 cases, Spain 13 and Britain 8. New Zealand and Germany have 3 confirmed cases each, Israel has two, and Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland have a case each, according to the latest WHO figures Friday.
How can I protect myself and my family from Swine and H1N1 influenza?
Practice general preventive measures for influenza, good hygiene is the key. You can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading influenza by:
- Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and have fever and cough.
- Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
- Using a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Disposing of used tissues promptly and carefully.
- Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face, or to other people.
- Cleaning hard surfaces (eg kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
- Separate the ill person from others, at least 1 meter in distance from others.
- Cover your mouth and nose when caring for the ill person. Either commercial or homemade materials are fine, as long as they are disposed of or cleaned properly after use.
- Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the ill person.
- Improve the air flow where the ill person stays. Use doors and windows to take advantage of breezes.
- Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents.
- Stay at home and rest.
- Take medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the symptoms (following the instructions with the medicines). Children under 16 must not be given aspirin or ready-made flu remedies containing aspirin.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Phone your GP or NHS Direct if you have recently travelled to Mexico or another affected area or if you develop complications such as shortness of breath.
- Before you call, check your symptoms with this symptom checker.
If you are living in a country where there are infections follow additional advice from your national and local health authorities.
Face mask anyone?
The widespread wearing of masks during a pandemic is unlikely to be effective at preventing people from becoming infected with the virus. However, they may have some limited ability to stop those already infected with the virus from spreading it.
There is no convincing scientific evidence that the widespread issue of face masks to healthy members of the public can stop this disease spreading. Moreover, they give can false reassurance, and can encourage people to ignore basic and straightforward hand hygiene measures that are known to be effective.
However, specialist and other types of face masks are useful for frontline NHS staff who are caring for infected patients. The masks must be of the appropriate type, be worn correctly, changed frequently; removed properly; disposed of safely and used in combination with good hygiene measures.
Although there is a supply of face masks for NHS staff, more are needed. In the past 24 hours, contracts have been completed for more than 60 million masks that will start becoming available from this week. These will be both surgical and respiratory masks, which will give staff a broad range of protection when they come into contact with infected patients.
sources: http://www.who.int/
http://www.nhs.uk/
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
