Wednesday, June 24, 2009

ABOUT H1N1FLU

Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1), is a subtype of influenza virus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all human flu infections in 2006.[1] Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).



The new influenza A (H1N1) virus spreads from person-to-person, in the same way that seasonal influenza viruses spread. The main form of transmission is through the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. Infected droplets are released into the air and breathed in by others. However, these droplets do not remain in the air long and generally only affect people within two metres.It is also possible to get influenza by touching contaminated surfaces, and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes.




Wash your hands often-Wash with soap and water. Utilize hot water and scrub with soap for 30 seconds, including between fingers and under fingernails. Be sure to use a (paper) towel to turn off the faucet handles so as not to recontaminate your hands. The same applies to doorknobs. If you can't wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.


Cover coughs and sneezes -Teach your family to cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze, dispose of the used tissues promptly, and wash their hands (or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer) immediately, before they contaminate other surfaces with infective secretions.
"Social distancing" Keep ill family members away from others in the home and at home unless they need medical care. If ill and you have to go out, wear a mask to catch coughs and sneezes and reduce the transmission of infective droplets to others. In general, do not share drinks or eating utensils. Do not share towels. Color coding towels for different family members can help reduce spread, too.


Seek medical care promptly if you become ill with flu-like symptoms - including fever, generalized aches, sore throat, cough, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Take precautions if visiting your health care provider, including washing your hands frequently, using mask or cover over mouth and nose, and distancing yourself from others as much as possible to prevent further spread. Antiviral medicines are quite effective if taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms




I am always washing my hands with soap after going to toilet and before and after my meals.



I also cover my mouth and nose with a tissue paper when I sneeze and dispose it properly.



posted by xuan yun tiger @ 5:18 AM 0 comments|