Beware Of H1N1 Virus

Influenza A virus subtype (H1N1) commonly referred as "swine flu", identified in April 2009, is a 2009 flu pandemic, which is transmitted between humans. It is thought to be a mutation of 4 known strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 ; one endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemics in pigs (swine).

The virus typically spreads from coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth. Symptoms are similar to :

1) Seasonal flu
2) Fever
3) Sore throat
4) Coughs
5) Headache
6) Muscle or joint pains
7) Difficulty in breathing
8) Loss of appetite

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (51), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), France (2), Germany (6), Israel (3), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (4), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (15). Influenza viruses are not known to be spread by eating food items.


AVOID H1N1 VIRUS!

In Mahallah Khadijah, you live in community. So, it is important for you to stay vigilant and take precautions against catching or transmitting the H1N1 influenza virus in order to protect yourself from this dangerous virus. Help prevent the spread of influenza by taking these precautions:

• Wash hands frequently, using soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Use hand sanitizer if hands are not visibly dirty or if soap and water are not accessible.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after touching door handles and other surfaces that may harbour influenza and other viruses.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve rather than your hands

If anyone of you have the symptoms, do not hesitate to see the doctor, or contact IIUM Health Centre Hotline : 03-6194444. Mid-term examination is just around the corner. So, take care of yourself!