The further international spread of Influenza A (H1N1) virus is unstoppable. With more than 100 countries around the world reporting cases, the best response by the St. Maarten community is to continue to practice high standards of personal hygiene entailing covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., after sneezing and coughing).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), influenza pandemics are remarkable events because they spread throughout a world population that is either largely or entirely susceptible to infection.
The WHO adds that in densely populated areas, a steep increase in the number of cases is seen, with a sharp peak, followed by a steep decline. Once the virus has swept through a susceptible population, transmission may continue, but at a much lower intensity.
In more populated areas, the peak may be flatter. Mexico, and especially Mexico City, experienced this tidal wave of cases, and its peak, back in April. Other countries, where the virus was introduced later, are experiencing it now, and more countries will see this pattern in the months to come.
The worst for Mexico should be over now, at least during the first wave of spread.
The WHO remains confident that this pandemic will be of moderate severity, at least in its early days. Some social disruption has been taking place in various countries such as the closing of schools or camps, which bring added demands on parents and their employers.
Research published according to the WHO reveals that most patients experience mild influenza-like illness. Most cases of severe and fatal infection continue to occur in people with underlying medical conditions.
Pregnant women are at increased risk of complications. This heightened risk takes on added importance for a virus, like this one, that preferentially infects younger age groups.
According to the WHO, the full clinical spectrum of this disease is not yet fully understood where the predictive factors for severe or fatal infections are concerned.
As more data become available, on warning signs that can signal the need for urgent medical care, symptoms of concern include difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain and severe or persistent vomiting.
In adults, a high fever that lasts for more than three days is a warning sign, particularly when accompanied by a general worsening of the patient’s condition.
Lethargy in a child, that is, a child that has difficulty waking up or is no longer alert, or is not playing, is a warning sign.
Persons seeking additional information should contact Preventive Health Department (PHD) at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.