Secondly, I want to assure the public that Western Cape government is working closely with the national and provincial departments of Health and Education respectively, and all stakeholders to monitor the situation. I want to reassure our public that there is no need to panic. The student who lost his life did not have an underlying medical condition, or compromised immune system. His death was unusual, and the overwhelming number of people who contract the virus, recover fully.
It is important is to educate ourselves and our families on the transmission of the virus, on typical signs and symptoms, and how the spread can be limited. The media has an important role to play here. Children and adults who are sick, are advised to stay at home and limit contact with others. Follow the standard precautions such as regular washing of hands and general hygiene.
What should you know about Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) or "Swine Flu" *
1. What is pandemic H1N1 influenza virus?
The pandemic A(H1N1) influenza (flu) virus (germ) is a new member of the influenza virus family. Different influenza viruses cause the annual seasonal (winter) flu and, every few decades, a global pandemic.Influenza viruses infect birds and mammals and are usually species specific. Occasionally viruses cross over from one species to another. The pandemic A(H1N1) virus seems to have originated in pigs; however it is not spreading in pigs or from pigs to humans but only between human beings.
Seasonal human influenza results in 6000 to 10 000 deaths every winter in South Africa and between 250 000 - 500 000 deaths globally, mostly in people over 65 and those with certain chronic medical conditions. In contrast, during pandemic influenza many of the deaths occur in younger and apparently healthy individuals. The number of deaths during an influenza pandemic varies greatly, depending mostly on the virulence of the virus, but also on factors like crowding, individual health, access to health care, and preventive measures. For the 1918 flu pandemic estimates of 25 to 40 million deaths worldwide are often quoted. The estimates for excess deaths worldwide in the 1957 and 1968 pandemics are between one and two million.
2. How does the flu virus spread?
Influenza viruses are very infectious. It is almost impossible to stop influenza viruses, whether seasonal or pandemic, from spreading from person to person mainly through coughing or sneezing by infected people. Touching surfaces such as counters and doorknobs with influenza viruses on them can also infect people and afterwards their mouth, nose or eyes. This is why hand-washing helps. However influenza viruses are very infectious and all precautions can only decrease, but not eliminate, risk.3. How can the spread be limited?
You can reduce the risk of getting or spreading influenza by taking standard precautions:4. Symptoms of an influenza like illness
These are the same for pandemic and seasonal influenza. Typical symptoms include a sudden onset of high fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, body aches, chills, tiredness, and lack of appetite. Some of those affected have reported nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
5. What to do if you or your child has symptoms?
6. Take medications as prescribed
7. When to seek emergency care
If your child experiences any of the following:In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
8. Who should be tested?
Laboratory testing of people with a flu like illness is NOT generally recommended, as it is expensive and does not affect the treatment.Laboratory testing is only recommended for the following patients with the above symptoms and a clinical picture of severe respiratory disease where a positive test will affect patient management.
9. What medications are available to treat H1N1 flu virus infections?
The antiviral drugs oseltamivir or zanamivir are only recommended for those at risk of complications.10. Who is at risk of complications
11. Outbreaks in institutions
Should a significant number of learners or students or residents of an institution be affected by the spread of influenza, an outbreak investigation may be indicated to quantify the size of the impact and assess the trends to inform decision making. (useful site www.eurosurveillance.org)* The source of most of this information is from the Revised Health Workers Handbook on Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 "Swine Flu" by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, updated on 22 July 2009.
Center for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Stellenbosch
www.sun.ac.za
Issued by:
Theuns Botha
Western Cape Minister for Health
Media liaison:
Hélène Rossouw
Cell: 082 771 8834
Tel: 021 483 4426
Email: herossou@pgwc.gov.za