My assignment on Swine flu (here's a copy)

[I'm posting a copy of my assignment as it is a current topic that might interest readers. The topic was 'Steps to prevent widespread of swine flu'. This is the report, I have prepared a power point and my speech on this topic. Which I will be presenting in a few days. ]

1.0 Introduction to Influenza virus A subtype H1N1

Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 also known as Swine Flu, Hog flu, or pig flu can be considered as mutation or reassortment of four known strains of influenza. Swine influenza virus A subtype H1N1 is a type of flu virus that combines human, pig, and bird flu genes and constantly changes. The reason Influenza Virus A subtype H1N1 is being considered extremely dangerous is because this virus has components of pig and bird influenza viruses in it, resulting into a constant change of its genetic structure, making the humans defenceless against it. This makes it easier for a pandemic virus or a global outbreak to happen because it can be transferred from person-to-person. Unlike Avian Flu, bird flu, or also known as H5N1 that might have caused a pandemic, bird flu cannot be spread easily from person-to-person.

On April 2009 Influenza Virus A(H1N1) was initially identified, and United Nation’s World Health Organization (WHO) had confirmed 70 893 cases, including 311 deaths worldwide in a report at 29 June 2009. Influenza Virus A H1N1 was first related to the influenza that occurred during 1918 flu pandemic where pigs became sick at the same time with humans, taking 15 million lives. Ten years later influenza virus caused by pigs was identified for the first time. In 1997 till 2002, new strains of three different subtypes and five different genotypes emerged as causes of influenza among pigs in North America, (H3N2). Genes derived by reassortment from human, swine and avian viruses have in fact become a major cause of swine influenza in North America.

Malaysian Health Minister; Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai explained that due to unknown origin of virus influenza A(H1N1) Malaysia will refer to swine flu as Influenza A(H1N1) which was approved by World Health Organisation (WHO). H1N1 refers to the types of hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) proteins on the surface of the flu virus strain.

2.0 Symptoms of Influenza Virus A(H1N1)

On June 18 2009, health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican urged all patients with flu-like symptoms to refer to government hospitals immediately. Prevention is the best cure; therefore civilians should be aware of the danger of this virus by knowing and recognizing the symptoms of the virus. Some of the distinguishable symptoms of Influenza Virus A subtype H1N1 are listed below.

1. High fever

2. Headaches

3. Cough

4. Chills

5. Running or stuffy nose

6. Sore throat

7. Body aches

8. Extreme fatigue or tiredness

9. Injected children may not want to wake up or interact

10. Diarrhea

11. Vomiting

12. Respiratory failure, fast breathing, or troubled breathing

13. Bluish or gray skin colour

14. Not drinking enough fluids

3.0 Facts On Influenza Virus A (H1N1)

Influenza virus A (H1N1) is contagious one day before the symptoms appear and until seven days after the symptoms have disappeared. Children are more at risk to this virus; this is due to the inferior immune system compared to a normal adult’s immune system. Children contain the virus for more than seven days after their symptoms are cured. Many medications have been tested on Influenza Virus A (H1N1) but only Tamiflu and Relenza have shown to reduce the effects of the virus.

Although many believe that by putting on a face mask can protect them from the influenza virus, this believe is wrong and facemask has no impact on the spread of swine flu. Currently the medication to combat swine flu is available in limited quantities hence the general public should not stock up on it so that the pills are available for infected patients. The usual seasonal flu vaccine available in countries such as America does not protect against swine flu, but experts are working hard on a swine flu vaccine. The vaccine is estimated to be ready by September to November 2009 and vaccination priority will be given to children.

4.0 Individual Swine Flu Prevention

All individuals must be aware of ways that Influenza Virus A subtype H1N1 can be prevented. They may not have immunity against Influenza Virus A subtype H1N1 yet but simple prevention methods can save many lives. For instance, the virus can spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions of someone, such as coughing or sneezing. So one should close their mouths when coughing or sneezing even when alone because influenza virus A (H1N1) can even survive in the atmosphere for hours in room temperature.

Another important step would be to practise excellent hygiene habits, such as the washings of hands. Hand sanitizer should be carried at all times, especially for those who are in constant contact with children.

5.0 Swine Flu Prevention in Malaysia

“Malaysia takes new measures to curb H1N1” ~ New Strait Times, June 26 2009

The Malaysian government is doing its best to break the chain of infection. Two mass thermal scanners from the Defence Ministry have been installed at the KL International Airport and one at the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) to speed up the screening process for international arrivals. The government hospitals are fully equipped and know what to do when the need arises. Those who visit patients at hospitals will have to undergo screening for fever as well. The local mass media presents frequent updates to public regarding the latest information on the virus including the names and locations of the latest infection cases so that those who may have been exposed to virus can take action. Example : New Strait Times wrote on June 18, 2009, that a 54 year old man that has been infected by the virus returned from a business trip from Manila on Friday evening onboard Malaysian Airlines flight MH705 (seat 32H). Alerting all those who came in contact with him to be alert and receive medical help.

Among the steps taken includes designating 10 more hospitals to take throat swabs from travellers suspected of having flu and more stringent screening at international airports. New guidelines on cleaning between flights have also been emphasised. In his speech in Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said school closure is a last resort. “If we close down schools, it will create panic among the population. We must ensure that stringent measures are taken to contain spread of the flu.” University Teknologi Mara has imposed a temporary ban on travel abroad by its staff and students because of the influenza A (H1N1) outbreak. Higher education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin directed all institutions of higher learning to prevent the disease from spreading among students, including organising campaigns and check-ups for undergraduates.

Director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican has appealed to state officials to refrain from speaking about the outbreak to avoid causing panic and confusion among the people. “Leave the updating of the cases to the Health Ministry. A press conference is held every day to update the people.” Another suggestion by the Health Department was to urge all schools to turn off the air-conditioners, switch on the fans and leave the windows open. According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said: “An outbreak is less likely to happen if the rooms are well ventilated.” Four schools have been ordered to close due to local transmission of the disease among the students which are, SK Assunta 1, SK Assunta 2, Sri Cempaka International School and SJK(C) Jalan Davidson. The Ministry has and will home quarantine Malaysians who are infected or those who have come in contact with infected patients.

On the global stage; the Health Minister is also trying to persuade World Health Organisation (WHO) to adopt a requirement for affected countries to implement exit screening procedures to stop further increase in the influenza infection. Currently WHO has not made exit screening mandatory and this has created tremendous pressure on the other countries that were not affected by the outbreak to remain vigilant.

6.0 Conclusion

Swine flu is a new virus that the world has never seen before, it has many similarities to the past pandemics and could ultimately turn into another 1918, Since its discovery in April 2009 it has spread around the globe and has caused infections in 74 countries totalling 70 893 cases, including 311 deaths. The spread of this virus is far from over; with the world hanging on by a knife point the best immunity is prevention.