| 2 February 2010 |
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Human Swine Influenza
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Symptoms
Human Swine Influenza (HSI) is caused by the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. The symptoms of HSI are usually similar to those of human seasonal influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain and headache. Some people infected with HSI may also have nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Most cases of HSI have been mild though fatal cases have been reported.
Mode of transmission
Human-to-human transmission of HSI is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu is spread among people, mainly through coughing or sneezing. Latest scientific evidence suggests that the period of communicability of HSI is similar to that of seasonal influenza. A person may spread the virus to another person one day before symptoms start, and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune system. Therefore, people with HSI virus infection should be considered contagious for as long as they show symptoms.
People may also become infected by touching objects soiled with flu viruses and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
HSI has not been known to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F ) kills the HSI virus.
Management
People who develop flu symptoms should put on a mask and consult a doctor as soon as possible. Those who have been to affected places or been exposed to sick persons should tell the doctor the travel and contact history. Antiviral agents can reduce the severity and duration of illness but must be used under doctor's prescription. It is important for people not to self-medicate.
Prevention
Although HSI can be treated by anti-viral agents, antiviral resistant cases are occasionally reported. This makes the prevention of disease more important.
High risk groups should get vaccinated
Human swine influenza vaccination is one of the effective ways to prevent HSI and its complications. Based on the recommendations given by the Scientific Committees of Centre for Health Protection in December 2009, the following target groups should receive vaccination as soon as possible. They include healthcare workers; persons with chronic illnesses* and pregnant women; children between the age of 6 months and less than 6 years; elderly persons aged 65 years or above; and pig farmers and pig-slaughtering industry personnel. It is anticipated that vaccination would give similar amount of protection as the seasonal influenza vaccine, if not higher. Latest research suggests that HSI vaccines are as safe as seasonal influenza vaccines. Serious adverse events are expected to be rare. Therefore, the benefits of receiving the vaccine far outweigh the risks.
In addition, members of the public should strictly maintain personal and environmental hygiene practices to prevent spread of the disease:
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Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Alcohol-based handrub is also effective when hands are not visibly soiled.
- Avoid touching mouth, nose or eyes.
- Wash hands with liquid soap promptly if they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing or coughing.
- Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid going to crowded or poorly-ventilated places. If you must do so, step up personal hygiene and consider putting on a mask.
- Do not spit. Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper, and dispose of the tissue paper properly in a rubbish bin with a lid.
- Wear a mask when respiratory symptoms or fever develop. See a doctor right away.
- Do not go to work or school if you develop influenza-like symptoms.
- Defer trips if feeling unwell.
* Persons with chronic illnesses mainly refer to those who have chronic cardiovascular (except hypertension without complication) and lung disease, severe obesity (BMI≥30), metabolic or kidney disease, immunodeficiency, chronic neurological condition that can compromise respiratory function, handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk of aspiration, or those who lack the ability to care for themselves, and children and adolescents (aged 6 months to 18 years) on long-term aspirin therapy
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