Start of 2009 Influenza Pandemic Officially Announced

June 11 2009, 12:40pm

Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, recently announced that the world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic. “I have conferred with leading influenza experts, virologists, and public health officials. In line with procedures set out in the International Health Regulations, I have sought guidance and advice from an Emergency Committee established for this purpose. On the basis of available evidence, and these expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. I have therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6. The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic.” [Dr. Margaret Chan | World now at the start of 2009 influenza pandemic] What is Influenza A (H1N1): Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1), is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans, including the strain(s) responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic which killed 50-100 million people worldwide. Less virulent H1N1 strains still exist in the wild today, worldwide, causing a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all flu infections in 2006. Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza). [Wikipedia | Influenza A virus subtype H1N1] Signs and Symptoms:

Similar to regular flu:

fever headache fatigue lack of appetite runny nose sore throat cough

Vomiting and/or nausea Diarrhea

Prevention:

Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing Always wash hands with soap and water Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers Avoid close contact with sick people 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

Personally, I also make sure to sanitize frequently used areas and objects in my home and work area. These are (but not limited to):

computer keyboards, mice, displays door knobs light switches remote controls (TV, air conditioner, stereo, etc.) landline phone units mobile gadgets (cell phones, PDAs, media players, portable computers, etc.)

To sanitize, we can use alcohol and water (or a very mild bleach and water solution) applied on the objects using a clean cloth. Technorati Tags: h1n1, influenza, swine flu, virus, pandemic, who