SafetyIssues Personal and Public Safety News Articles: Is the H1N1 Virus Going to Worsen?

Is the H1N1 Virus Going to Worsen?
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Staff writer for SafetyIssues on 05/22/09 07:34:00
 
The chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday that the Novel H1N1
swine flu virus has the potential to become even more severe and cause more
fatalities.
The WHO may soon declare a full-blown pandemic of H1N1 virus. So far, at least
11,000 people have been infected in 42 countries and 86 have been killed.
In the United States, health officials reported nine deaths, 300 cases which
required hospitalization, and 6,552 suspected/confirmed cases. However, the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that actual number of
cases may be around 130,000 noting that only one in 20 influenza cases are
reported.
Dr. Margaret Chan, head of the WHO, said the Novel H1N1 is a “subtle, sneaky
virus.”
An international research team conducted a genetic analysis of the eight genes
comprising the virus. From the results, it appears that the new virus has been
circulating without being detected in pigs and quite possibly other animals. The
team also realized the sneakiness of the virus.
It is vastly different from the strains of its ancestors. It is a hybrid of two
viruses that are themselves mixtures of other viruses. One strain carries
elements from viruses in pigs, birds and humans; the other virus has genes from
many other types of swine viruses originating in Europe and Asia.
Apart from sneakiness, medical historians say the historical records should give
everyone many reasons to be cautious. Since 1889, there have been four major
pandemics worldwide. In each of them, the first wave saw illnesses that were
relatively mild and few deaths occurred. Each one was followed a few months
later by a second wave of more severe disease.
Most deaths occurred in the second wave, not the first. This is the reason
health officials warn people to be ready for a more virulent phase of the Novel
H1N1 flu epidemic.
On the other hand, this gives medical science some time to develop a vaccine
that could combat the more deadly strain before it starts to circulate. The U.S.
Health and Human Services Department is allocating $1 billion for the
development of an effective vaccine against the novel H1N1 virus. Currently,
there is none.
Safety Tips:
* Avoid bringing your hands to your eyes, nose or mouth after touching objects.
The flu virus can remain viable for 8 hours after being deposited on them.
* Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after touching
unfamiliar objects or after coughing or sneezing. When using gels, rub them into
the hands until they’re dry.
* Use tissue to cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Throw tissue in
the trash immediately after use.
* Refrain from close contact with sick people.
* Be alert and follow public health advisories regarding school closures,
staying away from crowds, and other measures. Influenza spreads mainly through
person-to-person contact.
* Keep yourself informed. The CDC website (www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu) website
immediately publishes new information as it becomes available.