Influenza A(H1N1): frequently asked questions

Questions are grouped by subject.
:: About the disease
:: Levels of pandemic alert
:: Vaccines for the new influenza A(H1N1)
:: Travel
:: The safety of pork
:: What can I do?
:: Are some people more at risk?

Influenza A(H1N1): frequently asked questions – 7

More study is needed to determine if some populations (i.e. younger or older people, or people with other medical conditions) could be affected by the outbreak…

Influenza A(H1N1): frequently asked questions – 6

If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask. If you are caring for a sick person you should wear a mask. All home made masks should be cleansed regularly…

Influenza A(H1N1): frequently asked questions – 5

influenza A(H1N1) has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The influenza A(H1N1) virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.

Influenza A(H1N1): frequently asked questions – 4

WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Today, international travel moves rapidly, with large numbers of individuals visiting various parts the world. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.

Influenza A(H1N1): frequently asked questions – 3

Is an effective vaccine already available against the new influenza A(H1N1) virus?
No, but work is already under way to develop such a vaccine. Influenza vaccines generally contain a dead or weakened form of a circulating virus. The vaccine prepares the body’s immune system to defend against a true infection. For the vaccine to protect as well as possible, the virus in it should match the circulating “wild-type” virus relatively closely. Since this H1N1 virus is new, there is no vaccine currently available made with this particular virus. Making a completely new influenza vaccine can take five to six months.

Influenza A(H1N1): frequently asked questions – 2

What does pandemic alert phase 5 mean?
According to WHO definitions of phases – the virus has caused sustained community level outbreaks in at least two countries in one WHO region. At phase 5 a pandemic is considered imminent.

Influenza A(H1N1): frequently asked questions – 1

How do people become infected with influenza A(H1N1)?
Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed. To prevent spread, people should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, and wash their hands regularly.