1. Influenza A (H1N1) Virus & Pandemic Preparedness Generic H1N1 presentation developed for UN staff by Dr. Esther Tan, MSD, UNNY (Please customize for your own needs)

2. What is the Influenza A (H1N1) Virus?
H1N1 is a completely new strain of influenza or “flu” virus
Genetic material from pig, bird and human combined to form this new strain
Can spread from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of ill persons
Despite term “swine flu”: Infections not associated with contact with pigs or pork meat

3. So What? This new influenza virus has already sparked a pandemic
A pandemic is world-wide epidemic
Results from emergence of a new virus in which overall population has that no immunity
Severity can vary 3 3

4. Past Influenza Pandemics Last Pandemic was ≈ 40 yrs ago, in 1968....
1847
1889
1918
1957
1968
1850
42 yrs
29 yrs
39 yrs
11 yrs
Pandemic usually occur every 30 – 40 years
1900
1950
2000
Last Pandemic was ≈ 40 yrs ago, in 4

5. WHO Pandemic Phase 6

6. WHO Pandemic Phase 6
“Phase 6, the pandemic phase, is characterized by community level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region in addition to the criteria defined in Phase 5.
Designation of this phase will indicate that a global pandemic is under way.” WHO

7. What We Know About Pandemics
More than one pandemic wave likely
Can be weeks or months between waves
Severity of waves unpredictable: subsequent wave could be worse than first
Typically affects young, healthy adults (unlike regular seasonal flu)

8. Why Must the UN Prepare?
A severe pandemic can have great impact on the organization
Social disruption due to fear and panic in community
Routine life may be affected
High absenteeism everywhere – staff focus on own families’ health
In March 2006, the Secretary-General directed all UN offices to prepare for a pandemic 8 8

9. But We Don’t Act Alone….
The UN works closely with the national, state and city health and emergency authorities
Some of the public health responses by host country/city authorities may include:
Distribution of medical supplies
Some restrictions on transportation
School/child care closures
Cancelling of public gatherings
Isolation / quarantine of
persons at home 9 9

10. So What Can You Do About It?

11. 1. Practice Personal Hygiene
Wash hands often
Cover coughs and sneezes

12. Value of Proper Handwashing
Unwashed hand
Washed hand

13. 2. Practice Social Distancing
Avoid close contact will ill persons
Stay home if ill

14. 3. Heed Travel Advice No Travel Restrictions Practice personal hygiene
Seek medical care if you feel sick during travel
After return from travel, monitor your health for 7 days
Practice personal hygiene
Wash hands and cover coughs and sneezes

15. 4. Have Self Care Knowledge
Know how to care for yourself or others at home
Know the symptoms of mild and severe influenza

16. What Are the Symptoms of Flu?
Similar to regular seasonal flu symptoms
Fever (often >101oF), chills, dry cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, extreme tiredness, runny nose/nasal congestion
For H1N1, may get nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

17. What Should I Do If I have Mild Symptoms?
Current outbreak: Majority of mild cases recovered without any treatment
Current recommendation:
If no underlying conditions: Rest at home
If at higher risk of severe disease: See a doctor
People at higher risk of severe disease:
Those > 65 years, or < 2 years of age
Anyone with lung, heart, kidney, liver or blood disorders, or diabetes
Anyone with a weak immune system, possibly due to illness or medication
Pregnant women
Those on long-term aspirin therapy.

18. When To Seek Emergency Care?
Anyone who:
Has difficulty breathing or chest pain
Has purple or blue discoloration of the lips
Is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
Has seizures (uncontrolled fits)
Is less responsive than normal or becomes confused
Has signs of dehydration:
dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants a lack of tears when crying

19. Getting Prepared: Choosing A Local Health Care Provider
Search for and contact a local health care provider near where you live:
Use network of participating physicians under your health insurance plan to identify your doctor ( ).

20. Comprehensive Pandemic Booklet

21. 5. Stockpile 6 Weeks of Supplies

22. 6. Vaccinate Against The Flu

23. Antiviral Medication (e.g. oseltamivir)
Can reduce severe symptoms of flu
Currently not recommended for mild illness, unless are at “higher risk” of severe symptoms
UN has stockpiled an amount
Due to limited medical resources in the UN Medical Services, staff should contact your local health provider for first line health services 23 23

24. When To Use A Surgical Mask?
WHO: No evidence that wearing masks in community setting is effective
Currently recommended only for ill persons and in health care settings and medical staff caring for suspected patients
Nevertheless, individuals may wish to wear it – but must remember it should be combined with other public health measures 24 24

25. What Can You Do? 25 25