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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR - AMERICANSAMOA
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Friday, May 1, 2009)
Contact: click here to email newsroom
Office: (684) 633-4116 - Fax: (684) 633-2269 - Cell: (684) 733-4680
H1N1 INFLUENZA - Questions and Answers:
What you need to know and how to help protect yourself from infections.
H1N1 Influenza in the U.S.? If you’re worried about the news of the recent outbreak of swine flu, here are some key facts provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Samoa Department of Health to help you understand how H1N1 Influenza is spread and what you can do to help prevent infection. Current updates on the spread of H1N1 Influenza are available on the CDC H1N1 Influenza Website: cdc.gov
What is H1N1 Influenza, originally called swine flu?
H1N1 Influenza, or swine flu, is a respiratory disease normally found in pigs and caused by type A influenza viruses. While outbreaks of this type of flu are most common in pigs, human cases of swine flu do happen. In the past, reports of human swine flu have been rare – approximately one infection every one to two years in the United States. Currently, the U.S. and Mexico are experiencing an outbreak of swine flu.
How does it spread?
Humans with direct exposure to pigs are those most commonly infected with H1N1 Influenza. Human-to-human spread of the virus has been documented; however, the current swine flu outbreak is being spread by human-to-human contact. It is not yet known how easily the spread is occurring. Just as the common flu is passed along, H1N1 Influenza is thought to be spread by coughing, sneezing, or touching something that has the live virus on it.
If infected, a person may be able to infect another person one day before symptoms develop; therefore, a person is able to pass the flu on before they know they are sick. Infected individuals may spread the virus for seven or more days after becoming sick. Those with the Influenza should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are showing symptoms, and up to seven days or longer from the onset of their illness. Children might be contagious for longer periods of time.
Do we have H1N1 Influenza in American Samoa?
No cases of H1N1 Influenza, or swine flu, have been detected in American Samoa. However, it is recommended that the normal precautions described below be followed during this heightened period of alert. The Department of Health is closely monitoring the H1N1 Influenza outbreak outside the Territory, and will provide updates as events dictate.
Can I catch H1N1 Influenza from eating pork?
No. The CDC says that H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) viruses are not transmitted by food. Properly cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160º F kills all bacteria and viruses.
What are the symptoms of H1N1 Influenza?
Symptoms of H1N1 Influenza are similar to those of a regular flu; fever and chills, sore throat, cough, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting can also be present. Illness from this strain of swine flu may start with sudden dizziness. Without a specific lab test, it is impossible to know whether you may be suffering from swine flu or another flu strain, or a different disease entirely.
What precautionary measures should I take?
The same everyday precautions that you take to prevent other contagious viruses should be used to protect yourself against H1N1 Influenza.
“The best current advice is for individuals to practice good hand hygiene. Periodic hand washing with soap and water, or the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hand washing is not possible. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, as germs can more easily gain entrance into your body through those areas. Covering your mouth with a disposable tissue when you cough and sneeze is also a good practice.”
The CDC recommends avoiding contact with sick people and keeping your own good health in check with adequate sleep, exercise, and a nutritious diet.
What should you do if you think you are sick with H1N1 flu?
Contact the Department of Health HOTLINE 633-7475. Inform the doctor of your symptoms. Be prepared to give details on how long you’ve been feeling ill and about any recent travels. The doctor will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you feel sick, but are not sure what illness you may have, stay home until you have been diagnosed properly to avoid spreading any infection to others.
However, watch for these symptoms in children. Seek emergency medical care if your child experiences any of the following warning signs:
▪ Fever with a rash
▪ Dehydration
▪ Fast breathing
▪ Bluish skin coloration
▪ Slow to wake or sluggish interaction
▪ Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return and cough worsens
▪ Severe irritability
For adults, emergency medical care is needed if you experience these warning signs:
▪ Difficulty breathing
▪ Dizziness
▪ Confusion
▪ Severe or persistent vomiting
▪ Pain or pressure in the chest or stomach
Remember that the symptoms for H1N1 Influenza are almost identical to those you might experience with the regular flu. Only your doctor can give you the correct diagnosis.
Are there medicines effective in treating H1N1 Influenza in humans?
The current strain of H1N1 Influenza appears to respond to the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu), or zanamivir (Relenza) for those infected. For treatment, these antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of the appearance of symptoms), and for that reason, it is important to notify your doctor right away if your symptoms are severe. LBJ Tropical Medical Center and Department of Health have limited quantities of these drugs, and additional supplies are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, should they be needed. Current antiviral policies dictate that only hospitalized patients may be treated with these drugs.
Is there a vaccine available to protect against H1N1 Influenza?
No, there is no vaccine to protect humans from the new strain of swine flu. Steps have been taken to start developing one, though the process is complex and can take months.
Would a recent vaccination for the seasonal flu help protect against H1N1 Influenza?
The CDC reports that those individuals who received the seasonal flu vaccine do not have added protection against the H1N1 Influenza. The human H1N1 viruses are very different from the H1N1 viruses responsible for the recent outbreak of swine flu. Therefore, a seasonal flu vaccine would not protect against the swine flu.
---americansamoa.gov---
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