Throughout the ages there have been many influenza pandemics. They occurred in 1918, 1957 and 1968, in the 20th century. Each pandemic is different from the other in terms of cycle and waves. For instance, the pandemic influenza of 1918, also known as the Spanish Flu killed approximately 30-50 million people. Statistically in Malaysia, the total number of deaths due to A (H1N1) until the end of 2009 is 77. However, the total number of confirmed cases in our country is 12,307 according to the Ministry of Health. The total number of deaths globally till end of 2009 is 12,220.

The signs and symptoms in adults are slightly different compared to children for those infected by A (H1N1). Adults manifest with fever, cough, weakness, sore throat and vomiting. Whereas in children, besides the above mentioned symptoms they may have diarrhea, altered conscious level, difficulty in breathing, dehydration and extreme irritability.

A (H1N1) transmitted through air droplets. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the infected droplets gets into their hands, drop onto surfaces or dispersed into the air. An uninfected person then breathes in the contaminated air or touches infected hands or surfaces.

The recommended steps to prevent the spread of the virus are:

1. Cover your nose and mouth with tissue paper when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue paper into trash after use.

2. Wear a mask if you have flu-like symptoms.

3. Wash hands with soap or alcohol based hand scrub especially after coughing and sneezing.

4. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth to prevent virus from spreading.

5. Stay at home if you have influenza-like illness.

6. Avoid crowded areas as a social distancing measure.

US FDA approved the new A (H1N1) vaccine for use in US in September 2009. In Malaysia, the vaccine is now available. Target groups who should received the vaccine are pregnant mother, people who care for children less than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical service personnel, anyone 6 months to 24 years of age and people from 25-64 years of age who are at higher risk of A (H1N1) infection due to chronic illness or compromised immune status.

Despite the low severity of the current pandemic, a greater and potentially more deadly second wave is expected. WHO has stated that A (H1N1) pandemic is expected to subside only in 2012 and the disease is still active in temperate countries. As to date, there is no distinct sign of any outbreak of the second wave of A (H1N1) in Malaysia. Some may have believed that the severity of pandemic A (H1N1) has been over emphasized. Nevertheless, strict and prudent measures have to be adhered at all times to prevent disastrous consequences as prevention is always better than cure.

This article has been printed and distributed via GERAKAN4U BULLETIN JAN 2010/BIL.1

by Sdr. Dr Lim Boon Han (MBBS, Dip Dermatology)
Division Chairman of Nibong Tebal