What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?

˙2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) virus causing: illness in people. ˙ First detected in people: April 2009, USA.˙ This virus spreading: from person- to-person worldwide. (probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.)

※ The World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway on June 11, 2009.

Why is 2009 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 (swine) in North America.

˙ 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 bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

Is 2009 H1N1 virus contagious?

CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has determined that 2009

H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

Resource: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?

˙ Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads.

˙ Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza.

˙ Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?

˙ The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

˙ A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

˙ Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

˙ People infected with seasonal and 2009

H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to

infect others from 1 day before getting

sick to 5 to 7 days after.

˙ This can be longer in some people,

especially children and people with

weakened immune systems and in

people infected with the new H1N1 virus.

Take these everyday steps to

protect your health: ˙ 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 hand cleaners* are also effective.

˙ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

˙ Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

˙ If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Prevention & Treatment

Hospitals near by

• Tri-Service General Hospital325, Sec.2,Chenggong Rd., Neihu District, Taipei 114, Tel ： 886-2-8792 3311 http://www.tsgh.ndmctsgh.edu.tw/New-e/index.asp

• Taipei City Hospital (ZhongXiao Branch)87, Tongde Rd., Taipei, 115,Tel: 886-2-2786 1288 http://www.tpech.gov.tw/cgi-bin/SM_theme?page=48d0e981

• Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei199, Tunghwa Rd., Taipei Tel ： 886-2-2713 5211 http://www.cgmh.org.tw/eng2002/index.asp

Clinics near by

• Lin Ophthalmic Clinic 02-27854868, No 234, Sec. 6, ZhongXiao E. Rd.,Nangang District, Taipei City 115, Taiwan

• Huang Ophthalmic Clinic 02-26519569, No 17, Sec. 1, Academia Rd.,Nangang District, Taipei City 115, Taiwan

Pharmacies near by

• Yu Cheng Pharmacy, 02-27851227,No 13, Lane166, Yucheng St,Nangang District, Taipei City 115, Taiwan

• ZhongXiao Pharmacy, 02-27862829,No 16, Chengfu Rd.,Nangang District, Taipei City 115, Taiwan

• JingXing Pharmacy, 02-27838816,No.26, Sec. 3, Nangang Rd., Nangang District, Taipei City 115, Taiwan

Web Sites for information• Report to the President on U.S. Preparations for 2009-H1N1 Influenza

• FluTracker (Global Flu Map)

• Global Alert and Response Pandemic H1N1 2009 (WHO)• Novel Influenza A/H1N1 (Taiwan CDC)• 2009 H1N1 Flu (US CDC)

• Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (European CDC) •

H1N1 Flu (Medline Plus)

• 2009 Flu Pandemic (Wikipedia)

• H1N1 Resource Kits (US Government)

• H1N1 Influenza Center (NEJM)

• H1N1 Flu Resource Centre (Lancet)

• Get Ready (American Public Health Association)