1. 1 Good News & Travel Precautions Swine Flu Health Promotion Unit Ahmadi Hospital Wishing you a healthy life

2. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 2 Swine Flu in Pigs What is swine Influenza? Swine influenza, or “swine flu”, is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. It cause rregular outbreaks in pigs and can cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year.

3. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 3 How common is swine flu among pigs? Swine flu viruses are endemic among pig populations in many countries (specially from H1N1 and H3N2 ).

4. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 4 Can pigs infected by human or avian flu ? Yes, pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses.

5. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 5 Is this mix of virus infection dangerous? Yes, and this is reason that we are afraid of mixed infection inside the pigs leading to viruses reassort (swap genes) and new viruses mixed of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge leading to big human problem.

6. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 6 What is the most common Current Virus? A(H1N1) viruses, which is considered the classical swine flu virus,and was first isolated from a pig in 1930.and it is the current one

7. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 7 Swine Flu in Humans Is the current H1N1 swine flu virus the same as human H1N1 viruses? No. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are antigenically very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses.

8. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 8 What are the most important affected countries with human infection ? Mexico, USA, Canada, Spain, The map is widened everyday. Before travel you can updated by WHO website

9. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 9 Is there is Swine Flu in Kuwait ? No. There are no cases till now.

10. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 10 Can human catch swine flu? People do not normally get swine flu, however sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

11. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 11 How common is swine flu infection in humans? Very rare, e.g. in USA and from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza have been reported. But recently and As of 26 April United Sates and Mexico confirmed nearly 40 cases of Swine flu affecting human, beside many extra suspected cases.

12. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 12 Is this swine flu virus contagious? Yes, this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

13. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 13 What are the implications for human health? Outbreaks and sporadic human infection with swine influenza have been occasionally reported. Generally swine flu symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza and ranges broadly from asymptomatic or mild infection and may be sever or even fatal in rare cases.

14. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 14 How does swine flu spread? Generally Flu viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with Swine flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human to human is reported in isolated cases.

15. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 15 How do people become infected? People usually get swine influenza from infected pigs, however, some human cases lack contact history with pigs. Human to human transmission has occurred in some instances but was limited to close contacts and closed groups of people.

16. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 16 How does Swine Flu transmitted from human to human? Most probably in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

17. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 17 What are the symptoms of swine flu in people? Similar to the symptoms of normal human flu (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue).Some people are suffering from diarrhea and vomiting.

18. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 18 Is swine Flu very sever or fatal for human? Usually not and most of cases are mild and cured.But sometimes,Swine flu (Like normal human flu) can make severe illness or complication and may be deaths in some cases specially in high risk groups.

19. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 19 How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others? beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination? Any contaminated surfaces by droplet from infected person like a desk, mobile phone, TV remote control, tabe,,,etc

20. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 20 How long can viruses live outside the body? We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.

21. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 21 Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork? No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. therefore it is not transmitted by eating pork or pork products.

22. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 22 Good News Prevention and treatment

23. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 23 What can I do to prevent my self from getting the flu? The Most important tool is to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Promote your health: by balanced food, plenty of fluids, being physically active, plenty of sleep, manage your stress, Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

24. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 24 Are there any effective medicines to treat swine flu? Yes, like Tamiflu. Consult Your doctors first.

25. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 25 Is there is any vaccine to protect human from swine Flu? There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. WHO is trying hard to produce the vaccine with drug manufactures.

26. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 26 What should I do if I get sick? Do Not panic, consult your doctor immediately if you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms

27. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 27 Pandemic Stage of Swine Flu in Humans level of influenza pandemic alert is phase 4 indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable.

28. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 28 What about the pandemic risk? If a swine virus establishes efficient human to human transmission, it can cause an influenza pandemic. The impact of a pandemic caused by such a virus is difficult to predict: it depends on virulence of the virus, existing immunity among people, cross protection by antibodies acquired from seasonal influenza infection and host factors.

29. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 29 Travel Health Precaution NOT to close borders Not to restrict international travel. If not important,It is better to avoid travel to the suspected areas. If you are ill delay international travel.

30. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 30 Before you leave, Be ready Visit well documented international sites like CDC & WHO Consult PMS& OHD Department to make specific recommendations for you. update all your routine vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccine. Always seek medical care if you are severely ill.

31. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 31 Antiviral Medications specially for high risk are effective Antiviral Medications: consult your doctors before leaving to suspected areas. High risk travelers going to infected areas (e.g. persons with diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, and the elderly) are recommended to take antiviral medications for prevention of swine influenza during travel. The recommended antiviral drug is Tamiflu®). It keep flu viruses from reproducing in your body. This drug can prevent infection if taken as a preventative.

32. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 32 Other Normal Precautions Pack a travel health kit that contains basic first aid and medical supplies. Identify the health-care resources in the area(s) you will be visiting. Check if your health insurance plan will cover you abroad.

33. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 33 During your visit Monitor the local situation: Follow local public health guidelines, including any movement restrictions and prevention recommendations., you may be asked to put on a surgical mask to protect others.

34. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 34 Practice healthy habits Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use waterless alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap is not available and hands are not visibly dirty. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in a wastebasket.

35. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 35 Healthy habits If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand gel. Wear a surgical mask if you are in contact with other people.

36. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 36 Seek medical care if you feel sick Consult your doctor if you are suffering from any flu like symptoms. After you return from Mexico or other infected areas Closely monitor your health for 7 days Call your doctor if you feel any flu like symptoms. Follow the same personal hygiene

37. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 37 World Health Organization Recommendations Summary (27 April 2009) NOT to close borders and not to restrict international travel. level of influenza pandemic alert is phase 4.that means indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable.

38. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 38 No risk of infection from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis World Health Organization Recommendations Summary (27 April 2009)

39. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 39 Current Casualties As of 27 April 2009, the United States Government has reported 40 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A(H1N1), with no deaths. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection with the same virus, including seven deaths. - Canada has reported six cases, with no deaths, - Spain has reported one case, with no deaths.

40. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 40 References This research is based mainly on the following sites www.cdc.gov/travel. www.who.int www,mayoclinic.com

41. وحدة تعزيز الصحة بمستشفي الأحمدي – HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT IN AHMADI HOSPITAL 41 Health Promotion Unit Ahmadi Hospital Wishing you a healthy life