Influenza A (H1N1) is a new strain of influenza virus that spreads easily from human to human and could spread quickly worldwide leading to a pandemic flu outbreak. The disease was known as Swineflu because it has some elements of a virus found in pigs. But the world Health Organization now refers it to Influenza A.Like other flu viruses, Influenza A virus is spread mainly through people with flu, coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may be affected by touching something with flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Like the regular human flu, common symptoms are high fever , with cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle ache and tiredness. You are strongly advised to postpone or avoid non-essential travel to mexico and affected areas. If travel to such areas is unavoidable, please take precautionary measures and maintain good hygiene practises. Novartis AG expects a vaccine for Influenza A (H1N1) virus, declared responsible for the 21st century's first flu pademic, to be available by the Autumn after producing the first batch ahead of schedule.
You can do your part to prevent Influenza A by:
- Avoiding contact with people with symptoms of Influenza A
- Seeing a doctor and staying at home if you are unwell. If you need to go out, avoid crowded places, buses, trains and wear a surgical mask to cover your nose and mouth.
- Observe good personal environmental hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently and after coughing or sneezing.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Maintain good body resistance through a balanced diet, regular exercise, getting adequate rest, redusing stress and not smoking.
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