Influenza A (H1N1-2009) Infomation

Singapore tio the 1st case of influenza A (H1N1-2009) case liaoz… I was shock upon hearing the news on radio. Went to read up more on it. The following are some of the important things that we should know.

Affected areas (Areas with evidence of community transmission of Influenza A (H1N1-2009)) are: Mexico, USA and Canada so far.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

For personal protection, the following is essential:

Influenza A (H1N1) can be spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. It can also be spread when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches his nose or mouth. To protect yourself and others around you against Influenza A (H1N1), you can:

• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Turn quickly away from anyone near you if you are about to cough or sneeze.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a piece of tissue paper when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue paper properly in the dust bin after use.

• Avoid crowded places if you are unwell and wear a surgical mask to cover your nose and mouth. Seek prompt medical attention.

• Stay home when you are sick. Do not go out, to work or to school.

Click here for more information on public advice

 

Advisory for Singaporeans intending to travel to affected areas

You are advised to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas.
If you have to travel to such areas, be vigilant and maintain a high standard of personal hygiene at all times.

Should you fall ill while overseas, do see a doctor as soon as possible and refrain from travelling until you are certified fit by the doctor.

 

Advisory for Singaporeans/Singapore residents returning from countries affected by Influenza A (H1N1)

If you are travelling from an affected area**,  you are strongly advised to:

1. monitor your temperature daily

2. check yourself for the following symptoms

   1. High fever (> 38 deg C)
   2. Sore throat
   3. Cough
   4. Body aches
   5. Runny nose
   6. Headaches
   7. Tiredness.

Please delay your travel plans if you are unwell. Do see a doctor promptly, and ensure that you are fully recovered before you travel.

On your return to Singapore, you should continue to monitor your health for 7 days. If you develop the above symptoms within the 7 days, please put on a surgical mask and call 993 promptly. An ambulance will come round to bring you for medical assessment and treatment.

Please provide accurate information on the following to the doctor attending to you:

a. where you have been over the past 7 days
b. whom you have been in close contact with.

To do this, you may find it useful to keep a record of your movements for 7 days after your return. 

Click here to read more on travel advisory on returning Singaporeans/ Singapore residents from affected areas**.

More information in this PDF file: Influenza A (H1N1) - What You Need To Know

The following is the Map of the spread of Influenza A(H1N1): number of laboratory confirmed cases and deaths [jpg 1.35Mb]
As of 08:00 GMT, 26 May 2009

Click to see larger picture.

Came across this website: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_26/en/index.html
Looking at a table showing Influenza A(H1N1) cases and deaths in different countries and realized that the death rate seems rather small comparing the total cases and total deaths, don’t you agree?

References :
http://www.moh.gov.sg/
http://www.flu.gov.sg/
http://www.who.int/en/