What is Influenza A (H1N1)?
• Cough
• It is a new virus causing illness in people
• It was first detected in people in April 2009 in the
United States and Mexico
• 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
• Influenza A(H1N1) can be fatal to humans due to
severe respiratory distress (pneumonia)
• This is a new influenza A(H1N1) virus that has never
before circulated among humans. This virus is not
related to previous or current human seasonal
influenza viruses.
Cause
Influenza A(H1N1) is caused by a novel virus that
resulted from the re-assortment of 4 viruses from
pigs, human and birds.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) about A(H1N1)
How do people become infected with the virus?
The virus is spread from person-to-person. It is
transmitted as easily as the normal seasonal flu and
can be passed to other people by exposure to
infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing
that can be inhaled, or that can contaminate hands or
surfaces.
There are no known instances of people
getting infected by exposure to pigs or other animals.
The place of origin of the virus is unknown.
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
• Lack of appetite
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• cover your nose and mouth when coughing and
• Some cases have reported diarrhea, nausea
and vomiting.
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) , 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 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.
What should I do if I think I have the illness?
pains If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore
throat:
• stay at home and keep away from work, school or
crowds;
• rest and take plenty of fluids;
sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you
dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands
immediately after with soap and water or cleanse
them with an alcohol-based hand rub;
• if you do not have a tissue close by when you
cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as
possible with the crook of your elbow;
• use a mask to help you contain the spread of
droplets when you are around others, but be sure
to do so correctly;
• inform family and friends about your illness and
try to avoid contact with other people;
• If possible, contact a health professional before
traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a
medical examination is necessary.
What to do if somebody gets sick?
• If there is flu like symptoms, consult the doctor
immediately. and• Report to the proper health
authorities.
When should someone seek medical care?
A person should seek medical care if they
experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
or if a fever continues more than three days. For
parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical
care if a child has fast or labored breathing,
continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).
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.
• Despite the name of the virus, you can't catch
swine flu from eating bacon, ham, or any other
pork product. However, to avoid other illnesses, it
is always important to cook pork until it reaches
an internal temperature of 160 degrees
Fahrenheit
Is there a Vaccine for Swine Flu?
 There is a vaccine to prevent the seasonal flu,
which uses either a dead or weakened form of the
virus to "teach" your immune system to attack the
real virus. There is also a vaccine that can prevent
swine influenza in pigs. But because the 2009 H1N1
swine flu virus is relatively new to people, there is
currently no vaccine that can protect humans against
swine flu.
References: http://www.webmd.com;
http://www.who.int and http://doh.gov.ph