FLU KHINZIR…Apa yang perlu awda ketahui / FAQS on Swine Flu

1. What is Swine Flu (Swine Influenza)?
   Swine Flu is a respiratory disease affecting pigs that is caused by type A influenza virus. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine or pigs throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late autumn and winter months similar to influenza outbreaks in humans. It causes high levels of illness but low death rates in pigs.
   

2. Does Swine Flu affect humans?
   Swine flu viruses that cause disease in pigs very rarely affect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs but there have also been documented cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu.
   

3. How does Swine Flu spread to humans?
   Swine flu spreads to humans mainly through contact with infected pigs, which shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and faeces. Limited human-to-human transmission can also occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people.
   

4. Can people catch Swine Flu from eating pork?
   There is currently no evidence to suggest that swine flu can be transmitted to humans from eating pork or pork products that have been thoroughly cooked.
   

5. What are the symptoms of Swine Flu in humans?
   The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza. An early symptom is high fever, and this is followed by cough, sore throat, runny nose and sometimes breathlessness a few days later.
   

6. How can human infections with swine flu be diagnosed?
   To diagnose swine flu, a respiratory specimen (usually from the nasal passages) would need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding the virus). However, some persons, especially children may shed the virus for 10 days or longer.
   

7. What medications are available to treat swine flu infection in humans?
   The most recent swine flu viruses isolated from humans are found to be resistant to two influenza drugs (amantadine and rimantadine), however it is still susceptible to two other drugs available in Brunei Darussalam, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza).
   

8. Are there any cases of Swine Flu in Brunei Darussalam?
   So far there have been no human cases of swine flu detected in Brunei Darussalam.
   

9. Brunei Darussalam doesn’t have any pig farms. Does that mean we will not be affected?
   The recent outbreaks in Mexico and the United States have indicated that there has been transmission between humans and most cases have NOT had any contact with pigs. Therefore, it is not impossible for the virus to be imported into Brunei Darussalam by travelers. The Ministry of Health is monitoring the situation closely and will update the public should the situation change.
   

10. What is the Ministry of Health doing to ensure that the disease is not transmitted here?
    The Ministry of Health maintains a comprehensive and well established disease surveillance system for the early detection of human cases of novel influenzas such as swine flu. In addition, all hospitals and health centres in Brunei Darussalam are on the vigilance for any suspected cases. When the situation is required, the Ministry will step up public health measures e.g. quarantine of contacts, issue public health advisories. Thermal scanning for all travelers with fever is continuing at the Brunei International Airport and the filling in of Health Declaration Forms by all travelers arriving at Brunei International Airport will recommence as of 27th April 2009.
    

11. Is it safe to visit countries with cases of Swine Flu and will I be quarantined when I return? What travel precautions should I take?
    There are currently no travel restrictions or quarantine advised by the World Health Organization for swine flu. However, the Ministry of Health advises that any unnecessary travel to the affected areas be avoided for the time being. If you do intend to travel to areas which have cases of swine flu (currently – California, Texas and Kansas in the United States; and Mexico), you should take note of the following measures to minimize your risk of acquiring swine flu:

    • Avoid contact with persons with symptoms of influenza (this includes fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose)

    • Avoid crowded areas and maintain good ventilation

    • Observe good personal and environmental hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or your hands when sneezing or coughing. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently and when they are contaminated by respiratory secretions e.g. after sneezing.

    • Maintain good body resistance through a balanced diet, regular exercise, having adequate rest, reducing stress and not smoking.
      

12. What should I do if I suspect I have swine flu after returning to Brunei Darussalam?
    You should consult your doctor as soon as possible and inform your doctor if you have symptoms of swine flu and had recently travelled to areas which have cases of swine flu (currently California, Texas, Kansas in the United States; and Mexico).
    

13. What should I do if I fall ill overseas?
    You should consult a local doctor as soon as possible and refrain from traveling until you are certified fit by the doctor.
    

14. Does influenza vaccination help in preventing Swine Flu?
    There is no vaccine available to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine which is available in Brunei Darussalam is unlikely to protect against H1N1 swine flu viruses.

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