Facts on Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1)

FACTS ON PANDEMIC INFLUENZA A(H1N1) 2009
MITIGATION PHASE

1. Containment Phase

a. Since WHO has declared Phase 6 @ 11June 2009, we are in
the Containment Phase where at this point of time, most of the
cases are imported
b. Clearly defined local cases (linked to imported cases)
c. Aim of control strategies
i. To delay spread of disease in our community

2. Mitigation Phase

a. There is sustained community spread and new cases have no
defined epidemiological links with existing cases.
b. Aim of control strategies are as below:
i. To reduce morbidity and mortality from the disease
ii. To slow the spread of disease
iii. To minimize disruption to essential services

3. Which groups at high risk for severe illness from Influenza A
(H1N1) infection?

a. Children younger than 5 years old
b. Persons aged 65 years and older
c. Children and adolescents (< 18 years) on long term aspirin
therapy
d. Pregnant women
e. Adults and children with asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, organ failure, cardiovascular disease ,
hepatic, heamatological, neurologic, neuromuscular or
metabolic disorders such as Diabetes Mellitus
f. Adults and children who have immunosuppression
g. Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities

4. Role of Public during Mitigation phase.

Public should be emphasized on the mode of transmission of the
virus.
• The main route of human-to-human transmission of Influenza A
(H1N1) virus is via respiratory droplets,(which are expelled by
speaking, sneezing or coughing.)
• Any person in close contact (approximately 1 meter) with someone
who has influenza-like symptoms (fever, sneezing, coughing,
running nose, chills, muscle ache etc) is at risk of being exposed
to potentially infective respiratory droplets.
• Therefore public need to take several measures as below:
a. Maintain personal hygiene and cough etiquette
b. Practice infection control – at home, workplace, public transport
c. The role of masks in the community

There is no established benefit of wearing masks esp. in open
areas however it is used in enclosed spaces while in close
contact with a person with influenza-like illness.
i. People may wear a surgical mask in the home or
community setting, particularly if they are in close contact
with a person with influenza-like symptoms, e.g. while
providing care to family members.
ii. Using a mask can enables an individual with influenzalike
symptoms to cover their mouth and nose to help
contain respiratory droplets, a measure that is part of
cough etiquette.
iii. Surgical masks may also be recommended for those in
who have co-morbid illness when in a crowded
environment. The examples of co-morbid illness are:
• Adults and children with asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonarydisease, organ failure, cardiovascular
disease, hepatic, heamatological, neurologic,
neuromuscular or metabolic disorders such as
Diabetes Mellitus
• Adults and children who have immunosuppression
d. Home treatment – compliance, self monitoring. Those with
illness need to stay at home and minimize contact with other
family members, to reduce interaction outside the home and to
maintain infection control among household care giver.
e. If anyone who are in the high risk group and have symptom of
influenza, he should seek early treatment from medical
practitioner
f. To implement social distancing i.e. class suspensions and
adjust work patterns, reduce travel and avoid crowded places
and cancellation/Restriction/modification of mass gathering if
necessary.
g. To get the updates on current situation from credible source
i. Regular update the public on the current situation
ii. Provide regular communication to address societal
concern i.e. travel, border closure, school, economy
iii. Regular updates on emergency medical care and self
care medication

For more information, visit http://h1n1.moh.gov.my/