WHO Declares Swine H1N1 Pandemic for 2009
Flu Viral Outbreak 2009, Expands and Grows, More Disease Expected
Jun 11, 2009
This influenza strain appeared around March–April 2009, and it has spread now to every state in the U.S. and throughout many places on the planet. The official announcement by WHO indicates:
- this pandemic comes almost 40 years after the last declared pandemic.
- H1N1/swine flu vaccine will be needed by many — as soon as it becomes available.
- this flu will continue to make people sick and kill for as long as there are enough susceptible, non-immune people.
- vaccination should reduce the number of susceptible people and slow or eliminate flu spreading.
- being knowledgeable of flu prevention and care is more important now than ever.
- this early pandemic and flu is somewhat similar to the 1918–1919 pandemic swine flu that killed millions. What this strain will do in the Fall and Winter of 2009 and into 2010 is unclear, but everyone needs to be prepared.
Swine H1N1 Flu Pandemic and Epidemic Current Statistics
As of 11 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 28,774 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, with 144 deaths. The WHO has been publishing current updates about the spread of the disease worldwide.
In the United States, the statistics as of 5 June 2009 are: 13,217 cases with 27 deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control have published updates for the U.S.
What Is the Difference Between Flu and the Common Cold?
The common cold virus (rhinovirus) is restricted to the upper respiratory tract. The rhinoviruses do not thrive in deeper and warmer tissues of the body. The signs and symptoms of the common cold are typically mild with nose and eye inflammation, and some fever.
In contrast, the influenza virus affects both the upper and lower respiratory tract. Influenza causes major systemic aches, pain and debilitation. Furthermore, damage to the trachea and bronchi may lead to secondary bacterial infections with pneumonia and septicemia. Persons at greatest risk are the elderly and the very young. Typically, those with heart conditions, asthma, chronic bronchitis are most at risk for secondary bacterial infections. Infected individuals experiencing difficulty with breathing should see a physician immediately.
Typical Flu Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of flu are typically: fever with temperatures of 99–105 degrees F, sore throat, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, general body pain and aches, and even vomiting and diarrhea in some cases.
Management and Control of Flu Disease and Its Transmission
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand cleaner when soap and water are not available.
- Cover mouth/nose with a tissue, or disposable dinner napkin, for coughs and sneezes.Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with hands or fingers. Virus frequently infect in that way.
- People with respiratory infections (fever plus at least cough or sore throat and possibly other symptoms, vomiting and diarrhea) should stay home and minimize contact with others.
- Remember: The spread of flu is reduced by isolating infected individuals.
- During disease time avoid travel and people contact for up to 7 days from the start of illness, or until the infected person has been symptom-free for 24 hours. The longer time frame is preferred for the isolation time.
- Avoid close contact, if possible, (i.e. being within about 6 feet) with persons with potential and actual flu.
The CDC indicates that influenza antiviral medications help in the treatment and prevention of influenza, including novel H1N1.
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