Medical and Fitness

Influenza A (H1N1) also known as Swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory infection caused by a new flu virus or flu. Clinical symptoms are generally similar to those of seasonal flu, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia.

HIV transmission occurs from person to person through droplets generated by talking, coughing or sneezing. Being a new virus, everyone is vulnerable to the disease. Those with particular status of risk are: pregnant women, children, young adults and those suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes and heart or respiratory problems, among others.

The seasonal influenza vaccine does NOT protect for the new influenza virus. The World Health Organization has classified as an outbreak of influenza A pandemic. This means it has been transmitted between humans over a wide geographical area.

The state of pandemic does not necessarily mean the virus is more dangerous or has a higher mortality rate, but has a high degree of infectivity and can move easily from one region to another, in short, globalization exacerbates the problem .

Influenza A is transmitted by
* Direct contact with a sick person.
* For the droplets from coughing or sneezing of infected persons
* By touching contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs, stair railings or taps.
* When touching eyes, nose or mouth after being in contact with items or people infected.

Symptoms of Influenza A
* Fever over 38 ° C
* Cough frequent and intense.
* Headache.
* Malaise.
* Shortness of breath.
* Sore throat.
* Nasal congestion.
* Muscle and joint pain.
* Lack of appetite

Prevention of Contagion
* If cough or sneeze, cubrite mouth and nose with his elbow or a tissue. Throw the tissue away disposable after use.
* Lavate hands often with soap and water or an alcohol based product.
* Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
* Avoid direct contact with sick people.
* The use of chinstrap is necessary only in people infected to be mobilized by force majeure. If you are infected or not required with chinstrap.
* Clean and disinfect frequently surfaces such as doorknobs, desks and elevator buttons.

When washing your hands?

Before:
* Prepare or eat food.
* Caring for a patient.
* To treat a wound.
* Use a computer.

After:
* Go to the bathroom.
* Cough or sneeze.
* Blow your nose.
* Visit or attend a sick person.
* Use public transportation.
* Be in contact with animals and their wastes.
* Touching raw meat (fish, meat and chicken).
* Handling garbage or nappies.
* Touching objects such as money not rigorously clean, phone or keys.

Arriving:
* At work.
* Home.

How to wash your hands?
* Use water and soap or alcohol based product.
* Wash them at least 20 seconds, without forgetting the wrists and between fingers.
* Rinse thoroughly.
* Drain with disposable tissue, shutting off the water with the same role.
Repeat the washing several times a day.

If you’re sick or avoid infecting others
* Stay at home and stay at rest until discharge.
* When you cough or sneeze, do not cover the mouth with his hand. Cover your mouth with a tissue as possible ruled out. In case of not having scarf covering his mouth with the inner angle of the elbow
* Always wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
* Use mask.
* Wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol gel higienízalas.
* Do not share food, cups and cutlery.

Correct use of the chinstrap
* Make sure you cover your mouth and nose tightly.
* Avoid touching it during use.
* Change it to another as it becomes wet.
* REJECT if you have cracks or breaks.

Tags: H1N1, Influenza A, influenza vaccine, Prevention of Contagion, respiratory infection, seasonal flu, Swine flu, Symptoms of Influenza A