Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use, Where Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Transmission Has Been Detected or confirmed

In the absence of clear scientific data, the interim recommendations below have been developed on the basis of public health judgment and the historical use of facemasks and respirators in other settings.

When close contact with others cannot be avoided, the use of facemasks or respirators in areas where transmission of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus has been confirmed should be considered as follows:

1. Persons who are at high risk of complications from novel influenza A (H1N1) infection (for example, persons with certain chronic medical conditions, children less than 5 years, persons 65 or older, and pregnant women) should consider their risk of exposure to novel influenza if they attend public gatherings in communities where novel influenza A virus is circulating. In communities with several reported cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, persons who are at risk of complications from influenza should consider staying away from public gatherings.
2. Based on currently available information, for non-healthcare settings where frequent exposures to persons with novel influenza A (H1N1) are unlikely, masks and respirators are not recommended.
3. Persons who are ill with influenza-like symptoms should stay home and limit contact with others as much as possible. When not alone or in a public place, protect others by wearing facemasks to reduce the number of droplets coughed or sneezed into the air and the time spent in crowded settings should be as short as possible.
4. Respirators should be considered for use by individuals for whom close contact with an infectious person is unavoidable. This can include selected individuals who must care for a sick person (e.g., family member with a respiratory infection) at home.

What is H1N1 (swine flu)?

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 the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.








Swine flu 2009 - data:

- According to WHO, till today 898 positive cases have been found in 18 countries.
- In USA, 226 cases have been confirmed.
- In Mexico only there are 568 confirmed cases and 22 deaths have been reported.
- In China 1 positive case has been detected who traveled by Mexican airline from Mexico.
- No positive case has been confirmed in India yet.

How It Spreads ?

• From pig to pig in herds and whole herd may be infected through nasal and respiratory secretions.
• Pig to human transmission specially among those who deals directly with pigs specially if virus is re assorted [ mutation].
• Human to human by droplet infection of nasal and respiratory secretions.

Why is this new H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing 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.




Symptoms

• Fever, Runny nose, sore throat, diarreha, Lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, nausea, vommiting.
• Swine flu can be diagnosed by examining respiratory samples for isolation of virus with 3-4 days of symptoms.
• In some cases virus keeps on shedding even up to 10 days .
• There is NO Vaccine for humans yet. There are few antiviral drugs like Tamiflu [oseltamivir] and Relenza [ zanamivir] which can be used for treatment. But morbidity is still high.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

• Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.