(Photo: The mask is back in vogue as the H1N1 virus rages across much of the world. Courtesy of Surihuella / Creative Commons)

Influenza-A is a virus that has been transmitted from infected pigs to humans. It is a respiratory disease with flu-like symptoms. The H1N1 virus has an incubation period between one and seven days before the patient starts developing the symptoms.

It is a new strain of the Influenza virus and as such, there is no cure and the general population does not have any resistance whatsoever to it. The virus is transmitted from human to human when one infected person coughs or sneezes.

The virus is embedded in droplets that are breathed in by the uninfected person. The virus can also be transmitted if an infected person shares a meal with an uninfected person without a serving spoon.

The most common symptoms are:

• High fever (Temperature > 38°C)
• Cough
• Muscle pains
• Sore throat
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting or diarrhea

What to do if you are feeling unwell:

• If your develop the above symptoms, please call 993 promptly. An ambulance will come round to bring you for medical assessment and treatment.
• Go to your nearest hospital to seek treatment.
• Do not take public transport when going to the hospital as you run the risk of infecting more people.
• Wear a mask or cover your mouse and nose when leaving your place.
• Do not ‘doctor-hop’. Stick to one doctor only.

Sources:

HPB website

The MOH website

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