INFLUENZA

INTRODUCTION
SIGN & SYMPTON
HOW IT SPREAD
HIGH RISK GROUP
TREATMENT
PREVENTION

https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/health/2020/01/21/how
-seriously-does-influenza-affect-malaysia
 INTRODUCTION
If you haven’t heard of H1N1 influenza (flu), chances are you’re probably aware
of it via its more common name, Swine flu. It is so called because when it was
first detected it was very similar to a flu virus carried by pigs.
In 2009, swine flu was responsible for a flu pandemic that originated in Mexico
and spread throughout countries across the world. Fortunately, it wasn’t as
severe as first thought and in 2010 the World Health Organization declared the
pandemic was over.
But the risk of swine flu still remains, H1N1 influenza is one of the main flu
strains that continues to circulate with the elderly, pregnant women, and
people suffering from heart, lung, kidney and liver disease particularly at risk
of complications.
 SIGN & SYMPTOM
Swine flu symptoms include:
• Aching muscles
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fever more than 38 degree celcius
• Runny nose
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
 HOW IT SPREAD
Swine flu is a flu virus that spreads in the same way as seasonal flu –
through direct contact with someone who is already infected, breathing
in airborne particle containing the virus that an infected individual has
emitted when they have coughed or sneezed and by touching items that
have been contaminated by someone with the flu virus.
The incubation period for flu is 4-6 days. Adults can be infectious a day
before the symptoms show, which mean you can pass on the H1N1 virus
without even knowing you have it.
How long is flu contagious? For adults, the contagious period can last
five to seven days, while for children, it may last up to two weeks.
 HIGH RISK GROUP
Patients who are considered vulnerable to severe outcomes and should
be a focus of early identification, assessment and treatment, include the
following:
• Chronic respiratory conditions, including asthma, COPD, Obstructive
sleep apnoea
• Pregnant women, esp. in second or third trimester
• Obesity
• Other possible predisposing conditions, such as chronic cardiac
disease (not simple hypertension), and chronic illnesses including
diabetes mellitus, renal failure, haemoglobinopathies,
immunosuppression (including cancer, HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, long
term steroids).
• Adults > 65 years of age esp. those with other chronic diseases
 TREATMENT
Treatment with the antiviral drugs should be started as soon as possible
after symptom onset. As the benefits are greatest when administered
within 48 hours after symptom onset, clinicians should initiate
treatment immediately and not wait for the results of laboratory tests.
While treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset brings the greatest
benefits, later initiation of treatment may also be beneficial. This
decision should be made on a case-by-case basis. If the symptoms are
improving beyond the first 48 hours, treatment may not be necessary.
Clinical benefits associated with oseltamivir treatment include a
reduced risk of pneumonia (one of the most frequently
 PREVENTION
Get vaccinated:
the swine flu virus is often included in the seasonal flu vaccination. People in high risk including all pregnant women
should get vaccinated. Check with you local health care professional to find out more.

Regularly wash your hands:

Practicing good hand hygiene is critical in stopping the spread of infection. If soap and water aren’t available, use a
hand sanitiser

Use tissues:
Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze and make sure to place the used tissue into a
bin.If you don't have a tissue at hand then sneeze into your elbow rather than your hand.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces:

the flu virus can live up to 48 hours on non-porous surfaces so it’s really important to clean and disinfect commonly
touched surfaces such as handles, counter tops, light switches etc.

Exclusion:
Avoid people who have the flu, and if you have flu, avoid others to prevent the spread of the virus.
 SOURCE:
https://www.dettol.com.my/en/illness/illness/swine-flu-
h1n1/?source=Google&medium=cpc&campaign=Influenza_ENG

https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/health/2020/01/21/how-
seriously-does-influenza-affect-malaysia

https://specialty.mims.com/influenza/signs%20and%20symptoms

http://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/auto%20download%20images
/585118b89a312.pdf