19 Jun 2011

The Department of Health woull like to call on members of the public not to panic during this season when cases of influenza including H1N1 or swine flu are on the increase.

Influenza, commonly known as "flu" is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses.

The pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus commonly known as "swine flu" which appeared for the first time in 2009 causing a global influenza pandemic is now a seasonal influenza virus that co-circulates with other seasonal viruses.

The department would like to re-assure the public that it is well geared to respond to the influenza situation in this country including H1N1.

Members of the public are advised to take preventative steps on their part to reduce their chances of getting influenza.

These steps including basic hygiene measures such as sneezing into a tissue and disposing of it safely, washing of hands regularly with soap and water, avoiding contact with sick people, staying at home when developing influenza-like symptoms to avoid infecting others.

Taking these simple steps can limit our chances of getting influenza and also reduce the number of people who succumb to influenza in our country.

For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Tel: 012 395 8493
Cell: 079 517 3333

Background information on Influenza – 2011: media information

Introduction

The Department of Health is inundated with reports of ‘swine flu’. The department would like draw the public’s attention to the following important facts about influenza.

Influenza, commonly known as the “flu”, is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses. There are three types of seasonal influenza viruses – A, B and C. The pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus, commonly referred to as ‘swine flu’, which appeared for the first time in 2009 causing a global influenza pandemic, is now a seasonal influenza virus that co-circulates with other seasonal viruses.

Influenza viruses can cause disease in persons of any age, but overall rates of illness are highest in children. Usually, rates of severe illness and death are highest in persons aged over 65 years, children under two years old, women who are pregnant or within two weeks after delivery and persons of any age with underlying medical conditions (risk factors- eg asthma, diabetes, a variety of conditions causing a depression of the immune system) which increase the risk for influenza-related complications. However, a large number of patients with severe influenza A (H1N1) 2009 illness requiring admission to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) worldwide in 2009 were previously healthy persons with no identified risk factors.

How do you catch flu?

Spread of influenza can occur in two ways:

Through contact with infected objects or surfaces contaminated with flu viruses.
Through contact with a person with flu. Influenza is spread mainly from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing

What are the typical symptoms of flu?

The symptoms include: sudden onset of fever, dry cough, muscle pain, hot and cold shivers.

Are there medicines to treat flu?

Yes, there are drugs which are available on the advice of a clinician. Persons with risk factors for influenza complications should be treated as soon as possible after flu symptoms develop.
Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting are warning signs of severe influenza infection that needs urgent treatment. Influenza must be considered in any person who develops pneumonia during the influenza season.

Who should be tested for influenza?

It is not necessary for everyone with typical flu symptoms to have a laboratory test to confirm influenza or before receiving treatment.

How long can an infected person spread flu to others?

People with influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is a vaccine available at public health facilities for people who are at risk for severe illness. Other people may can get the vaccine at their private health facility or pharmacy. The vaccine takes 10 to 14 days to be effective and should ideally be given before the start of the influenza season. There are also everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the bin after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with influenza, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

The clinical presentation of influenza infection in humans includes fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea.

Emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

In children: