What is Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic?
Influenza A (H1N1) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus that is easily spread from person-to-person.
A person can get Influenza A (H1N1) by:
- Breathing in the virus when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Contact with objects that have been recently touched by an infected person such as a door knob and telephone.
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny and stuffy nose
- Extreme tiredness
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (these symptoms may also occur but are more common in children)
To prevent the spread of H1N1:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
- Use paper towel (tissue) to cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Dispose of used tissue in the garbage IMMEDIATELY.
- Avoid close contact with persons exhibiting flu-like symptoms, such as handshaking, hugging or kissing.
- If you are sick stay home until you are well. If you have severe flu-like symptoms contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY.
- If you have travelled to or come into contact with someone from an affected country such as Mexico, Canada, UK or USA, and have flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor or nearest Health Centre immediately.
