In recent days, at least four people have died after catching the H1N1 virus—a severe strain of flu that killed dozens in Myanmar two years ago.
The virus is contagious and spreads the same way as regular seasonal influenza—the symptoms are similar too, including body aches, runny nose, fever, fatigue and coughing.
These symptoms can develop into life-threatening problems such as pneumonia and lung infection.
Government health officials are encouraging people to cover their nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing, wash their hands frequently, get sound sleep and drink plenty of water.
In a built-up place such as Yangon, H1N1 is more likely to spread, so NGO Myanmar Emergency Medical Services advises people to take precautions if they come into contact with the virus. Here’s their guide.
1. H1N1 is an airborne virus, and does not typically spread more than three metres from the affected person. However, within this three-metre area, the pathogens can spread easily.
2. To prevent the spread of this strain of influenza, the affected patient should wear a mask at all times. Emergency service providers should also wear masks (N95 is advisable, but others may work as well), and should wear examination gloves (latex or other) when administering to the patient.
3. After administering to the patient, even if the provider was wearing gloves, they should thoroughly wash and sanitize their hands with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, allowing at least 30 seconds or more for the alcohol to dry to ensure that the germs thoroughly die.
4. H1N1 is most dangerous to elderly people (aged 65+) and young children (aged five and under), especially those with compounded health problems. However, for healthy adults, there is not much to worry about other than symptom treatment with antivirals (Tamiflu, Relenza) and/or natural counterparts (Allium sativum, Vitamin C, Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa) to boost the immune system.
5. Watch for respiratory distress in patients, such as pneumonia, which is the leading cause of death among H1N1 victims. Use a stethoscope to listen for abnormal lung sounds (such as moving liquid sounds) that may be tell tale signs of pneumonia.
6. Another easy way to check for respiratory distress—recommended by the World Health Organization (WH0)—is to count the patient's respirations per minute. For adults with more than 30 respirations per minute including flu-like symptoms, immediate transfer to a qualified hospital (for instance, Yangon General Hospital) should be initiated. Immediate transfer to a hospital should also be initiated for children with more than 40 respirations per minute, and with flu like-symptoms, according to the WHO.
7. If possible, try to avoid enclosed, crowded public places such as elevators or small waiting rooms. Take the stairs!
