Frequently Asked Questions
What is Influenza A (H1N1) Flu?
Influenza A (H1N1) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
Is it contagious?
The Influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and spreads from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting.
How does it spread?
- The virus is spread from person-to-person. It is transmitted as easy 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.
- To prevent spread, people who are ill should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, stay home when they are unwell, clean their hands regularly, and keep some distance from healthy people, as much as possible.
- 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 can I do to protect myself from getting the flu?
These are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to sit at least one metre away from the next person.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Droplets from cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
Some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What should I do if I get sick?
Seek medical treatment from any doctor either in a government or private hospital/clinic.
Are there vaccines to prevent a person from getting the H1N1 flu?
There are no vaccine available right now to protect against the H1N1 flu.
Are there medicines to treat H1N1 flu?
Yes, at this moment there are two (2) types of anti-viral drugs i.e. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu (R)) or
Zanamir (Relenza (R)) to treat the H1N1 influenza viruses. The anti-viral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, anti-viral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. For treatment, anti-viral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two(2) days of symptoms). (R) = Registered
Will the anti-viral protect a person from being infected?
No. The anti-viral are used for treatment of a person infected with the virus. It is not a vaccine that creates immunity against the infection. Persons not exposed to the virus are advised not to take the anti-virals because by taking them rampantly, the virus can be immune from the effects of the anti-virals.
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environment surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
What can kill the influenza A (H1N1) virus?
The influenza virus can be killed with heat (75-100 degres celcius). Apart from that, chemical substance including chlorine, washing detergent (soap) and alcohol to name a few are effective on influenza virus if they are used in the right amount and specified time frame. For example, alcohol-based gel can be used for hand cleansing. This gel needs to be rubbed on to your hands until it is dried.
Is it safe to travel?
At this moment, the Health Ministry strongly advised the public to be aware that due to the highly contagious nature of the disease and its rapid spread across the world, non-essential travel by air or other means, especially to the affected areas, should be postponed. If travel is essential or unavoidable, travelers or dependents need to protect themselves appropriately.
If anyone were to fall ill either during or after the travel, the person is to obtain the relevent treatment from a doctor immediately.
My child is studying at one of the higher learning institutions/schools that has influenza A (H1N1) cases, what should I do?
If the higher learning institution/school is closed for a certain duration, your child has to be detained at home at all times and necessary precautions have to be taken on his/her well-being. At the same time, the higher learning institution/school authority is not allowed to hold any activity during the said closure.
If your child is having flu (influenza-like-illness) symptoms, he or she has to implement preventive measures at home at all times and perform self-examination on his/her health using the Guidelines on evaluation of one's health at home. Should the symptoms persist and become worst, your child needs to seek medical treatment immediately.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, go to the Health Ministry (http://www.moh.gov.my/) or call the Ministry's hotline at (03) 8881-0200/300.
Lead a healthylifestyle - Drink plenty of fluids, get enough sleep, execise regularly.
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