| "A(H1N1) flu viruses are NOT transmitted
by food" |
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How do people catch the A(H1N1) flu?
A(H1N1) flu viruses can be spread via contact with infected pigs
or contaminated areas. Cases of human-to-human spread have
been documented.
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Apparently, the new A(H1N1) flu virus spreads
like regular flu from an infected person. It can also become airborne
if an infected person cough or sneeze without covering his / her
nose and mouth.
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What are the symptoms of A(H1N1) flu?
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They are same as those of regular flu:
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Fever |
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Lethargy |
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Runny nose |
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Cough |
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Sore throat |
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Lack of appetite |
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Vomiting and diarrhoea in some cases. |
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Can A(H1N1) flu be treated with antiviral
drugs and flu vaccine?
Since the A(H1N1) flu viruses aren't the same as human flu
viruses, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide any
protection. The A(H1N1) flu is resistant to two common drugs – Amantadine
and Rimantadine.
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In that case, how is A(H1N1) flu treated?
In the U.S., tests show that the Tamiflu and Relenza is effective
in preventing or treating A(H1N1) flu, as recommended by their
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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However, many of the first people in the U.S.
with lab-confirmed A(H1N1) flu has recovered without treatment.
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Can people be affected by eating pork?
A(H1N1) flu viruses are NOT transmitted by food. It is safe
to consume properly handled and cooked pork and pork products.
The A(H1N1) flu virus will be killed when pork is cooked to an
internal temperature of 70ºC and above.
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What can I do to protect myself from the
A(H1N1) flu?
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Make sure you cover your nose and mouth with a disposable
tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. |
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Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based
hand cleaner, especially after you cough or sneeze. |
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Avoid close contact with sick people. |
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. |
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Go to the nearest hospital / clinic if you have any of the
symptoms. |
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Should I avoid overseas travel?
The Health Ministry on April 27 advised Malaysians against traveling
to certain places in the United States, Mexico and Canada which
have been affected by the A(H1N1) flu. |
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| What are the precautions being done currently in Malaysia? |
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The Health Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya
has started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public
can call 03-8881 0200/300 for enquiries. |
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Those returning from Latin American countries and found to
have flu-like symptoms will be quarantined. |
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Health Ministry officials are conducting health screenings
on passengers arriving from the United States. |
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Thermal scanners will be placed at international airports
to speed up the screening process for A(H1N1) flu. |
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Public and private medical practitioners have been instructed
to report to the district health office any patient with influenza-like
illnesses or severe pneumonia symptoms and who had traveled
to the affected countries after April 17. |
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Owners of the 797 pig farms nationwide have been ordered
to immediately contact the nearest Veterinary Services Department
office or the Animal Disease Control Centre if their workers
or animals show symptoms linked to the A(H1N1) flu. |
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Where can I get more information?
For more information, please visit Health Ministry (www.moh.gov.my)
or call the Ministry's hotline at (03) 8881-0200/300. |
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| Useful Links: |
| World
Health Organization |
| Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention |
| Homeland
Security Department |
| WHO
A(H1N1) flu page |
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professional health advice and as such Kurnia does not give any
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article. Kurnia cannot be held responsible for any losses, injury
or death resulting from the use of the above information. |
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