H1N1 Swine Flu Now in Jamaica.

According to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention in the USA, H1N1 is a new flu virus that causes illness in humans. It's incidence was first noted in April 2009 in the USA rapidly followed by many incidences in Mexico. Canada was one of the earlier countries reporting the incidence of the swine flu. Today, H1N1 has spread through countries in Europe, Australia, the Far East and now the Caribbean - with Jamaica reporting its 5th casualty yesterday, June 10, 2009. It is feared that the H1N1 virus could begin to spread locally in Jamaica, independent of foreign influence. Luckily, our health authorities are being pro-active and are putting relevant measures in place to tackle the problem when and if it reaches the local level. Incidentally, all identified cases of the H1N1 Flu case in Jamaica had their origin in New York, New York - incubated people having just returned from a travel to that part of the USA. So that argument about when people sneeze in the USA, the rest of the world catches the cold is no joke after all!

With all of the occurrences, the World Health Organization has not branded the swine flu as pandemic and there is hope that cure and vaccines may be found very quickly.

What are the symptoms of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus in people?
Symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are similar to those of the seasonal flu and may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. These symptons may be accompanied by bouts of diarrhea and vomiting which may in some case lead to death, particularly in very vulnerable groups of people.

In seasonal flu, there are certain people that are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. Early indications are that pregnancy and other previously recognized medical conditions that increase the risk of influenza-related complications, like asthma and diabetes, also appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this novel H1N1 virus infection as well.
One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-related complications thus far in the outbreak.

How does this new H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of this H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are contagious - spreading mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
It is believed that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. Studies have shown that people may become contagious from a day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they become sick. Children, especially younger children, may take longer period to be potentially contagious. Further study of the virus should provide the opportunity to learn more and spread more current information as they become available.

In children, emergency warning signs requiring urgent medical attention include:
•Fast breathing or trouble breathing
•Bluish or gray skin color
•Not drinking enough fluids
•Severe or persistent vomiting
•Not waking up or not interacting
•Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
•Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs requiring urgent medical attention include:
•Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
•Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
•Sudden dizziness
•Confusion
•Severe or persistent vomiting
•Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Contamination & Cleaning
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Influenza viruses have been known to survive on environmental surfaces and to infect a person for up to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
What kills influenza virus?
Influenza viruses are destroyed by heat at 75-100°C. In addition, chemical germicides viz. chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination? Germs spread when a person touches a contaminated surface full of germs and then touches his eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs also spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from an infected person and then touches his eyes, mouth or nose before washing his hands.
How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?

• Thrown in the trash,tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person.
• Wash hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.
• Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

To prevent the spread of influenza virus How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?

• Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick need not be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
• Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting.
• Caregivers should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves.
• Caregivers should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.
• Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

For further information on this topic please contact the CDC directly at:
http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm
or

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton RdAtlanta,
GA 30333800-CDC-INFO(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-634824
Hours/Every Daycdcinfo@cdc.gov