Swine Flu Update

As of 5th May, 21 countries have officially reported 1124 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection. Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The United States has reported 286 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (140), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (54), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (18).

Some WHO recommendations

• WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.
  
• There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.
  
• If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask. If you are caring for a sick person you should wear a mask.
  

How can you protect yourself and prevent illness?

Practise general preventive measures for influenza to prevent infection:

• avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and have fever and cough;
  
• wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often;
  
• practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
  

How do you care for an ill person at home?

• Separate the ill person from others, keeping the person at least 1 metre in distance from others.
  
• Cover your mouth and nose when caring for the ill person.
  
• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the ill person.
  
• Improve the air flow where the ill person stays. Use doors and windows to take advantage of breezes.
  
• Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents.
  

What should I do if I think I have the illness?

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.
  
• Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of the used tissues properly.
  
• Wash your hands with soap and water often and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing.
  
• Inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people.
  

How quickly will influenza A(H1N1) vaccines be available?

The first doses of Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine could be available in five to six months from identification of the pandemic strain.