The Newest Form of H1N1: A Cause for Concern
The 2009 A/H1N1 swine flu virus has been gaining notoriety within not only the medical community, but the media as well. Though the effects of the virus alone are not particularly severe, the relative ease with which this variant may be passed between humans has been the cause for much concern.
In fact, over 70 countries have reported infections at this time. On June 11, 2009, shortly after its emergence, the strain was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO)—the first declared in over 40 years.
A Closer Look
Although swine hosted viruses have been transmitted to humans in the past, the perpetuation of this latest outbreak is largely based on human-to-human transmission.
An investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the H1N1 2009 virus to be a mutated assimilation of type A subtypes, containing genetic information of four definable variants. This antigenic shift has allowed the virus to retain its multiplicative ability in animals whilst facilitating transport through humans as well.
Symptoms
The symptoms of an A-type H1N1 infection are consistent with those of other influenza forms. This includes coughing, fever, sore throat, runny nose, chills, fatigue, and aching joints and muscles. Symptoms in children include irritability, worsening coughs, unexplainable crying, and lack of vigor in physical movement. Diarrhea and vomiting may also result, but have been seen to be more common with other strains of flu.
Due to a heightened susceptibility to complications, if a child or senior is showing symptoms of the flu, it is especially important for them to be tested for infection. Signs of complications include changes in skin color, severe vomiting, hampered breathing, extreme dehydration, and reoccurring fever.
Modes of Transmission
Swine flu is believed to be readily transmitted by methods similar to the seasonal flu. Human-to-human transmission may result from aerosols (droplets in the air from spitting, coughing, or sneezing) and from membrane contact with contaminated material. Common points of intrusion include the eyes, nose, and mouth.
H1N1 influenza may be passed between animals and humans; however this is not known to be common.
Though the virus may be transmitted through ingestion of pork and pork products, studies have shown the virus to be rendered ineffective when exposed to temperatures over 70°C (160°F).
Note: Swine influenza is thought to be contagious for up to one day before and one week after signs of infection within a host.
Prevention and Control
The following products and methods of control are known to be effective in combating the spread of the A/H1N1 swine flu virus of 2009.
- Cover the face when coughing or sneezing, turning the head away from others.
- Use disposable tissues for cleaning and cover nose and mouth during discharge. Immediately dispose of tissue — preferably using a covered waste container.
- Keep hands away from nose, mouth, and eye areas whenever possible (except for the purpose of covering up).
- Keep your hands as virus free as possible. It is advisable to wash your hands regularly, especially before meals. Consider using a certified hand disinfectant instead of washing as such disinfectants deliver a better antiviral activity and irritate the skin less than regular washing. In addition, hand disinfection works well in situations when washing hands is difficult or disruptive, such as during smoking breaks, picking up chewing gum, etc. A small tube of disinfecting gel is an ideal product for this use. We would like to warn against the use of non-certified products (so-called sanitizers), which often have big gaps in antiviral activity and make many unsupported claims.
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OROMED® Gel is a crystal-clear hydroalcoholic gel with low viscosity for the surgical and hygienic hand disinfection. The non-sticky and residue-free formulation does not drip, dries quickly and leaves a velvety smooth skin feeling. Free from biocidal substances, parfum and colorings.
Effective Spectrum / Exposure Times:
- Hygienic hand disinfection 30 seconds
- Surgical hand disinfection 90 seconds
- Bactericide 30 seconds
- Fungicide 30 seconds
- Tuberculocide 60 seconds
- Limited Virucide (incl. HBV, HCV, HIV): 30 seconds
- Influenza A virus 30 seconds
Complies with DGHM Standard Methods and EN 1040, EN 1275, EN 1500, EN 12791.
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- Reduce the exposure to viruses. Try to stay away from sick individuals. Sick people are usually most contagious during the first days of illness and often before symptoms appear. Don’t get fooled by mild symptoms of other people: the same virus may cause a much stronger reaction by your body. For the same reason, take protective measures after caring for sick children, whose illness may also be mild. If you have sick person at home, consider disinfecting the most frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, light switches, etc. with a surface disinfectant. In times of serious flu outbreaks, try avoiding crowded places, such as cinemas or restaurants, refrain from going to work, school, or heavily populated social venues. Disposable masks or respirators may also be worn to limit the risk cross contamination.
- Please protect the others. Remain at home at least for 3 days during and illness or as long as symptoms remain prevalent (headache, cough, fever, tiredness, stomach problems, pain). Use disposable tissues to cover your mouth and nose during sneezing or coughing and for blowing your nose. Decontaminate hands frequently by washing, disinfecting or both.
- Keep the environment clean and free from droplets. Disinfect using ISORAPID surface spray and ISORAPID liquid disinfectants.
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ISORAPID® Spray is a ready-to-use, aldehyde-free spray for the quick disinfection and cleaning of surfaces of medical devices (medical equipment, installations and instruments). Completely moisten the to be disinfected surfaces and objects. Leave to act (follow exposure times) and if necessary, dry surfaces and object with a clean single use cloth. Use on alcohol-compatible materials only.
Effective Spectrum / Exposure Times:
- Bactericide / Fungicide (clean conditions) 30 seconds
- Bactericide / Fungicide (dirty conditions) 1 minute
- MRSA 30 seconds
- Tuberculocide / Mycobactericide (M. avium) 1 minute
- Hepatitis B / C / HIV 30 seconds
- Coronavirus (SARS) 30 seconds
- Influenza A virus 30 seconds
- Papovavirus (SV 40) 1 minute
- Adenovirus 2 minutes
Complies with DGHM Standard Methods and EN 1040, EN 1276, EN 1275 / EN 1650 (C. albicans), EN 14348; DGHM / VAH listed
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FAQs
Is swine flu especially fatal?
In comparison to other forms of viral diseases, the effects of swine influenza on healthy adults have not been seen to be especially alarming. Thus far, the bulk of fatalities have been due to cases involving complicated illnesses and preexisting conditions. Therefore: seniors, children, and those with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems should take extra precautions as they may be particularly at risk.
Does a vaccine exist for human protection against swine influenza?
Currently there exists no publicly available vaccine with notable effectiveness against swine influenza in humans—therefore it is that much more important to take precautionary measures against contraction of the virus. However, there have been reports that appropriate H1N1 vaccines are under development and may be made available within half a year.
Can the virus be transferred through public water systems and venues?
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, there have thus far been no documented cases of swine flu transmission through treated water. Though no studies dedicated to defining the efficacy of chlorine and related solvents against the virus, chlorine levels of 1-3 ppm for pools and 2-5 ppm for spas — as recommended by CDC and have been shown to be effective in combating similar viruses in the past (such as the avian A/H5N1 virus).
How long can the virus survive in the open?
Studies have shown the H1N1 swine influenza virus to be functional for up to 8 hours on non-living surfaces.
