Earlier this morning, our company had an info session about the recent epidemic (no pandemic) that has been hogging around the metro and nearby provinces. Of course, you would know what I’m talking about. It’s SWINE FLU. What else?
The info session gave me few new information. Most of the things I’ve heard were either already posted online, published in dailies, or aired in televisions and radios. Indeed, what is Influenza A(H1N1) or Novel H1N1?
Novel H1N1 (or “swine flu” ) is a new influenza virus strain causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. It is thought to be a mutation – a reassortment – of four known strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 [ H and N are from the protein that defines the influenza: Hemagglutunin (Ha) and Neuramidase (Na)] one endemic to humans, another in birds, and two endemic in pigs. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
As of this post, the Dr. Francisco Duque of the Department of Health reports a total of 247 cases of swine flu which includes an epidemic in one barangay in Jaen, Nueva Ecija, one elementary school and one high school. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that as o June 15, 2009, 76 countries have officially reported 35,928 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection which includes 163 deaths.
Adding to the confusion is the declaration of the WHO of a Pandemic Alert Level 6 status. By this time, many people, most uniformed, would panic much like its “ragnarok” for all of us (as to the biblical implications of this event, I lack the authority to comment).
A pandemic is an epidemic of infectious diseases that is spreading through human populations across a large region. At this time, WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate. The moderate assessment reflects that:
- Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care.
- Overall, national levels of severe illness from influenza A(H1N1) appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods, although high levels of disease have occurred in some local areas and institutions.
- Overall, hospitals and health care systems in most countries have been able to cope with the numbers of people seeking care, although some facilities and systems have been stressed in some localities.
WHO is concerned about current patterns of serious cases and deaths that are occurring primarily among young persons, including the previously healthy and those with pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy. Large outbreaks of disease have not yet been reported in many countries, and the full clinical spectrum of disease is not yet known.
The Pandemic Alert Level 6 raised by WHO is indeed the highest level but this was done by WHO as a precaution given the speed of the spread of the virus. Albeit this scenario, Dengue has claimed many lives than A(H1N1) in our country. This gives us no reason to fear or to panic but also does not assure us into complacence.
I certainly do not know what the future holds for all of us. All I know that for any disease outbreak, there is a two-pronged result. Either it will claim many lives or the disease dying a natural death. But by the looks of it, A(H1N1) is here to stay for some time. Health experts and epidemiologists even foretell of a bleaker future – a mutation of a more virulent influenza A(H1N1) strain.
While my thoughts are poring over this current scare, it is but just apt to finally set the record straight. I am posting below a brief primer on what is influenza A(H1N1) and some useful links you might want to check out. It’s always good to be informed.
DOH PRIMER
Influenza A (H1N1) is fatal to humans
Signs and symptoms in humans
– similar to the symptoms of regular flu such as
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Lack of appetite
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
– Vomitting or nausea
– Diarrhea
Mode of Transmission
– Exposure to droplets from the cough and sneeze of the infected person. Influenza A (H1N1) is not transmitted by eating thoroughly cooked pork.
Prevention
– Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
– Always wash hands with soap and water
– Use alcohol- based hand sanitizers
– Avoid close contact with sick people
– 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
DOH Hospitals designated as Referral Centers for Emerging and
Re-emerging Infectious Diseases
National Referral Center
Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)
Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
Tel No. 809-7599
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Amidst all these pandemonium, we can only draw strength from the true healer – JESUS. Above all, let us pray for healing and protection from our Almighty Father. James tell us that in that if any of us in trouble or if anyone of us is sick, all we need to is PRAY (James 5:13-16). Claim God’s healing through fervent prayer because with HIM, nothing is impossible.
Useful Links:
Department of Health (DOH) Influenza A(H1N1) Primer
US Center for Disease Control (US CDC) General Information
World Health Organization (WHO)
Epistaxis Maximus 