update on Influenza A (H1N1)

According to the statistics on MoH's website, there are 86 people died of Influenza A (H1N1), as of 23rd May.

The total number of H1N1 cases is 11993, a very scary number, new cases now found in Taiwan and the Philippines.

Click here to monitor the latest situation consolidated by the Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam.

Click here to see the latest update on World Health Organisation.

p/s: I personally got the seasonal flu vaccination few days ago, there were hundreds of people in the Ong Sum Ping clinic waiting to get the jab. As far as I understand, the vaccine is NOT a cure to H1N1, but to boost up your immunity. So, if you are planning to travel to the affected countries, you should consider to get the jab. Afterall, you have nothing to lose.

Influenza A (H1N1)

(image from CDC)

About Influenza A (H1N1) - Extracted from World Health Organisation's webpage:

Key facts

• Influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person.
• Influenza circulates worldwide and can affect anybody in any age group.
• Influenza causes annual epidemics that peak during winter in temperate regions.
• Influenza is a serious public health problem that causes severe illnesses and deaths for higher risk populations.
• An epidemic can take an economic toll through lost workforce productivity, and strain health services.
• Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection.

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The following information are from http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/about_disease/en/index.html

How do people become infected with influenza A(H1N1)?

Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed. To prevent spread, people should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, and wash their hands regularly.

What are the signs and symptoms of infection?

Early signs of influenza A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea.

Regarding study of the first outbreak, have you received any feedback from the WHO team sent to Mexico to investigate the outbreak?

Teams are already sending epidemiological evidence but we will know more over the next few days.

Is there any confirmation of transmission between pigs and humans at this point?

No.

Is there any information on the economic impact of the outbreak so far?

No.

Why are we so worried about this pandemic possibility when thousands die every year from seasonal epidemics?

Seasonal epidemics occur every year and we are able to treat the virus with seasonal vaccines. A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic. It is a new virus and one to which the populations will have no immunity.

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Latest updates by WHO: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

Latest information by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Latest updates in Brunei by Ministry of Health: http://www.moh.gov.bn/news/swine2009.htm

Health line (Ministry of Health): 2384234
Bhg Kawalan Penyakit, Jbt Perkhidmatan Kesihatan 2382023