The H1N1 virus is transmitted like the normal
seasonal flu virus, spreading easily from person
to person via infected droplets
Influenza A (H1N1) is a pandemic acute febrile
respiratory influenza-like illness, caused by an
influenza virus
An infected person should take as much rest
as possible and drink plenty of fluids. If necessary,
take a pain reliever for aches and pains
An infected person should take as much rest
as possible and drink plenty of fluids. If necessary,
take a pain reliever for aches and pains
Influenza A (H1N1) is a pandemic
acute febrile respiratory influenza-like illness, caused
by an influenza virus. Following early outbreaks in North
America in April 2009, the new influenza virus spread rapidly
around the world. Between April and June 2009, a total of
74 countries and territories had reported laboratory-confirmed
infections. Today, most countries in the world have confirmed
infections from the new virus.
In Malaysia, the first case of influenza A (H1N1) was confirmed
on 15th May 2009. One year after the first attack,
we still find victims of the disease and evidence of a nationwide
spread and rise in influenza A (H1N1) cases. As of
11th May 2010, a total of 14,138 cases of Influenza A have
been confirmed ( Kementrian Kesihatan Malaysia Report ).
Presently, a total of 678 cases of influenza-like infections
are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Malaysia’ out of
which 83 cases (12.2%) have been confirmed to be positive
influenza A (H1N1).
How do people become infected with the virus?
The H1N1 virus is transmitted like the normal seasonal flu
virus, spreading easily from person to person via infected
droplets. It is expelled when an infected person coughs
or sneezes or spread through contact with contaminated hands
or surfaces.
What are the signs and symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1)
infection?
The signs and symptoms are:
fever ≥ 38 °C
headache
cough
shortness of breath / breathing difficulty
myalgia and joint pains
nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
history of close contact with a person diagnosed
with Influenza A(H1N1) or recent travel to an area with
reported transmission of Influenza A(H1N1)
The majority of people infected with Influenza A (H1N1),
experience mild illness and recover fully without treatment.
What should you do if you or someone you know have any
of these signs or symptoms?
You should seek medical care if you or someone you know
experience any of the signs or symptoms e.g. difficulty
breathing or a fever which continues for more than three
days.
An infected person should take as much rest as possible
and drink plenty of fluids. If necessary, take a pain reliever
for aches and pains.
To prevent the spread, people who are infected should stay
at home. They should cover their mouth and nose when coughing
or sneezing, clean their hands regularly, and keep away
from healthy people as much as possible.
The nationwide spread and increasing number of Influenza
A (H1N1) cases in Malaysia, implies that the Ministry of
Health’s surveillance measures in curbing the disease have
not been very successful. This is a timely reminder that
we, as citizens and risk personnel, are equally responsible
to help curb the disease to promote health and prevent illness.
Among the preventive measures taken by the Ministry of Health
to curb influenza A is to apply vaccination, while stocks
are available, especially for the at-risk.
