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Assumption College
San Lorenzo Village, Makati City
June 8, 2009
Health Advisory on Influenza H1N1 Virus Infection Prevention and Control Dear Parents, Students, Faculty and Staff:
The threat of an emerging Influenza A H1N1 pandemic cannot be underestimated. In their latest report, the World Health Organization reported a total of 19,273 cases and 117 deaths from 66 reporting countries. In the Philippines, we already have 33 confirmed cases (as of June 5, 2009) plus several cases under observation. Since the signs and symptoms of Influenza A H1N1 infection are no different from seasonal flu but highly aggressive and virulent, the school community should be vigilant and proactive in its prevention and control. In compliance with the DOH, CHED and DepEd directives for Anti-Influenza A H1N1 Campaign in Schools, the Medical Services Unit have come up with the following health advisory, recommendations and measures to increase awareness and to help prevent the occurrence and spread of this contagious disease. Should you have any related concerns, you may contact the Medical Services Unit at 8930281. Thank you.
Sincerely, Noted by:
Cynthia Marissa A. Clemente, M.D. Sr. Gertrude Borres, R.A.
Head, Medical Services President
FAQ’s on Influenza A (H1N1) (source: www.doh.gov.ph)What is Influenza A (H1N1)?
• Influenza A(H1N1) is caused by a novel virus that resulted from the reassortment of 4 viruses from pigs, human and birds
• It is a new virus causing illness in people
• It was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States
• This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread
• There is no vaccine yet to protect humans from this virus
• There are existing and recommended medicines that are effective in treating these Influenza A(H1N1)
• Influenza A(H1N1) can be fatal to humans due to severe respiratory distress (pneumonia)
Why this new Influenza A(H1N1) virus is sometimes called “swine flu”? This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory tests showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.
Do pigs carry this virus and can people catch this virus from a pig? At this time, there is no evidence that swine in the United States are infected with this new virus. However, there are flu viruses that commonly cause outbreaks of illness in pigs. Most of the time, these viruses do not infect people, but influenza viruses can spread back and forth between pigs and people.
Are there human infections with this virus? Yes. Cases of human infection with this virus were first confirmed in the U.S. in Southern California and near Guadalupe Country, Texas. The outbreak intensified rapidly from that time and more and more states have been reporting cases of illness from this virus. Other countries with confirmed cases include Mexico, United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, China (Mainland China, Hongkong), Portugal, Poland, Guatemala, Spain, Costa Rica, Colombia, Denmark, El Salvador, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, Panama.In the Philippines, 33 confirmed human infection with Influenza A(H1N1) virus have been reported (as of June 5, 2009)
Is this new virus contagious? Yes, Influenza A(H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in humans?
• Similar to the symptoms of regular flu such as:
Fever Lack of appetite
Headache Runny nose
Fatigue Sore throat
Muscle or joint pains Cough
Some cases have reported diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
How severe is illness associated with this virus?It is not known at this time how severe this virus will be in the general population. Experts are studying the medical histories of people who have been infected with this virus to determine whether some people may be at greater risk from infection, serious illness, or hospitalization from the virus.
How does Influenza A(H1N1) virus spread?
• Coughing or sneezing by people with influenza• Touching things with flu viruses on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes
Can I get infected with Influenza A(H1N1) from eating or preparing pork?
• No, you can’t get influenza A(H1N1) by eating properly handled and thorough cooked pork and pork products
• The virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160 F/70 C.
What is the incubation period? • 7 to 10 days from the time of exposure to the first onset of signs and symptoms
How long can an infected person spread Influenza A(H1N1) to others?
• Infected person maybe contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
Are there medicines to treat infection with AH1N1?
Yes. Oseltamivir or zanamivir are the recommended drugs to treat and or prevent infection with this virus. You have to consult a doctor before using these drugs to avoid resistance.
Is vaccine available to protect people from getting infected with AH1N1?
No, at present there is no vaccine against this virus. However, since the symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, getting your regular flu shots may protect you from seasonal flu which may alleviate your fears.
How can we prevent the spread of the virus?
1. Observe proper personal hygiene:
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water, at least for 20 seconds (or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers) especially after handling patients and specimen, before and after eating, after using the toilet and as necessary.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
2. Increase your body’s resistance
• Have at least 8 hours of sleep
• Be physically active
• Manage your stress
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Eat nutritious food, especially fruits and vegetables
3. Social distancing.
• Avoid crowded places.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick until you are free from symptoms to prevent the spread of the virus.
What to do if somebody gets sick?
• If there is flu like symptoms, consult the doctor immediately.
• Report to the proper health authorities.
Is there a pandemic risk on Influenza A(H1N1)?
Yes. If the Influenza A(H1N1) establishes efficient and sustained human-to-human transmission then it can cause an influenza pandemic. The impact of a pandemic is difficult to predict. It depends on virulence of the virus, existing immunity among people, cross protection by antibodies acquired from seasonal influenza infection and host factors.
Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza A (H1N1) in Assumption San Lorenzo:
*Students, faculty and staff with history of recent travel to any country with reported Influenza AH1N1 cases should observe self-quarantine for 10 days after arrival. If signs and symptoms develop within this observation period, she should immediately contact her health care provider and the school clinic for further testing and confirmation.
*School closure or suspension of classes is not warranted unless there is documentation of a confirmed case in school. Suspension of classes will be based on the Guidelines on Influenza A H1N1 Response Levels in Schools issued by the Secretary of Health. Confirmation of cases as well as community level transmission shall come from the Department of Health. The school administrators shall coordinate with DOH.
*Students, faculty, and staff should stringently follow sanitary measures to reduce the spread of influenza, including covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, frequent hand washing with liquid soap and water, or using hand sanitizer, if hand washing is not possible.
*Provide liquid soaps in all washrooms and hand sanitizers in offices and classrooms (or require students and employees to bring their own), to promote and reinforce the habit of frequent hand washing/cleansing.
*The school premises and contact surfaces should be kept clean and disinfected. Daily disinfection with the standard bleaching agents will prevent the virus from growing in the toilets and other wet areas. Mopping and drying after disinfection will also prevent viral growth.
*Parents and guardians should monitor their school-aged children, older students and employees should self-monitor every morning, before coming to school, for symptoms of influenza-like illness. Those with symptoms should refrain from attending school/work for observation at home.
*Students/employees should observe the well-being of their classmates/co-workers, and if someone among them is not feeling well and manifests signs and symptoms of flu. Those who appear to have an influenza-like illness (ILI) upon arrival at school or become ill during the day should be isolated promptly and sent to the school clinic for evaluation and disposition to be sent home.
*Early morning health inspection shall be conducted routinely by the teacher to detect the presence of fever and other signs and symptoms of infection. The sick student shall be referred immediately to the school clinic for evaluation.
*Students and employees with influenza-like illness (ILI - fever with cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 10 days even if symptoms resolve sooner.
*Students and employees who are still sick 10 days after they become ill should continue to stay home and not report to school until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved. They should also present a medical certificate and subject themselves for clearance at the school clinic prior to resuming classes/work.
*All patients with influenza-like illness, whether diagnosed by the school physicians or by their own health care providers, should report their cases to the Medical Services Unit (BED or HED Clinics) for proper monitoring, surveillance and coordination with our local government.
*Intensify health education in the classroom giving emphasis on personal hygiene, hand washing, cough etiquette, balanced diet and environmental sanitation.
*Although there is no vaccine available yet specifically against the Influenza A H1N1 virus, having your regular flu vaccination will protect you from seasonal flu, which have very similar signs and symptoms,
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