A Primer on Influenza A(H1N1)

H1N1 FLU ALERT! Text any information on suspected or probable case of Influenza A (H1N1) on campus through your SMART mobile phone, key in FLU [space] FEEDBACK [space] YOUR NAME AND MESSAGE, and send to 700ADDU. WHAT IS H1N1? • H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. • This new virus was first detected in people in Mexico and in the US in April 2009. • This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INFLUENZA A (H1N1) VIRUS INFECTION? • The symptoms appear to be similar to the symptoms of regular human flu, and include fever, cough, sore throat, bodyaches, lethargy, headache, chills and fatigue. • Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with this virus. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS? • Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat should stay home and avoid close contact with others until at least 24 hours after your symptoms are completely gone. • Wash your hands frequently. • Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. • You do not need to go to the hospital for mild illness, but anyone with severe symptoms such as difficulty with breathing, should seek health care and treatment immediately. HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM THE INFLUENZA A (H1N1) VIRUS? Protective measures to avoid getting or spreading the influenza A (H1N1) virus are the same as for seasonal flu, and most other respiratory infections. They include: • Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand • Antibacterial cleaners are also effective. • Encouraging all people to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze. • Trying to avoid close contact with sick people. • If you become ill, limiting contact with others to avoid infecting them. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF SOMEONE I LIVE OR WORK WITH IS SICK WITH FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS? • If you had close contact with persons with flu-like symptoms and are well, you do not need to stay home or take any special precautions when outside the home. • However, if you become ill with flu-like symptoms, you should stay home and avoid close contact with others until 24 hours after your symptoms completely resolve. SHOULD I BE WEARING A SURGICAL MASK? • There is no clear scientific evidence that surgical masks are effective in controlling influenza A (H1N1) virus transmission in the community setting. • Staff who have close contact (defined as less than 6 feet distance) with persons who might be ill, can consider using surgical masks if they wish to, and should actively limit the time spent in that setting. WHAT TO DO WHEN ILL? • Go to the Integrated Health Services - Clinic immediately, if on campus. Or call Tel (82) 221.2411 local 8337 (College); 4325 (High School); 4113 (Grade School). • Consult your doctor right away. • You should only take medicine if your doctor prescribes it for you. • For people with certain underlying medical conditions, a medicine called oseltamivir (Tamiflu) may be recommended. • You should also rest, drink plenty of liquids, and take medications that you would normally take to treat your symptoms. Satellite Referral Center in Davao City that will handle Influenza A (H1N1) cases: Davao Medical Center (DMC) J.P Laurel Avenue Bajada, Davao City Telephone No.: (82) 221-6574 Visit DOH Update: www.doh.gov.ph/h1n1 If you have flu-like symptoms and history of travel to Influenza A(H1N1) affected countries or areas, immediately consult your doctor or go to the Integrated Health Services of the University. For more information on Influenza A (H1N1), call the Flu Information Line of the Department of Health at (02) 711-1001 or (02) 711-1002. UNIVERSITY HEALTH INTEGRATED SERVICES Dr. Michael T. Manalaysay M.D., Medical Director Ateneo de Davao University Jacinto St., 8016 Davao City Tel (82) 221.2411 local 8337 (College); 4325 (HS); 4113 (GS) Text any information on suspected or probable case of Influenza A (H1N1) on campus through your SMART mobile phone, key in FLU [space] FEEDBACK [space] YOUR NAME AND MESSAGE, and send to 700ADDU. FOR FUTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY DELIVERED DIRECTLY ON YOUR SMART MOBILE PHONES, PLEASE ENROLL YOUR NUMBER AT THE ADDU INFOBOARD. For students and parents interested to join the ADDU Textcast, follow the following steps using your Smart mobile: STEP 1: Key in ADDU [space] REG [space] YOUR NAME/YOUR PROGRAM OR DEPARTMENT or if parent, put PARENT/ ID NO or BIRTHDATE if parent and send to 717ADDU. You will receive a reply from the system. STEP 2: After you have received a text reply, key in ADDU [space] PUSH [space] ON and send to 717ADDU.

 

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