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)

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

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

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 1968.... 4

WHO Pandemic Phase 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

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)

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

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

So What Can You Do About It?

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

Value of Proper Handwashing Unwashed hand Washed hand

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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 (http://www.un.org/Depts/oppba/accounts/insurance/healthPlans.htm ).

Comprehensive Pandemic Booklet http://www.un.org/staff/pandemic/

5. Stockpile 6 Weeks of Supplies

6. Vaccinate Against The Flu

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

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

What Can You Do? 25 25