What is H1N1 (swine) flu?
The first identification of an influenza virus as a cause of disease in pigs occurred in 1930. H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) was related to this virus causing sickness in people. This virus was discovered in people in the US in April 2009 (the first ever incident in Humans). Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have also reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, likely in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas.
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FAQs
A list of useful FAQs from the Ministry of Health can be found here. More FAQs are also listed here.
Q: The World Health Organisation has called Influenza A (H1N1) a "pandemic". That means it's a serious disease, right?
A: Actually, no. Pandemic refers to the spread of an illness, not its severity. The WHO has described the Influenza A (H1N1) virus as a possible pandemic because the illness has spread beyond Mexico to other countries in North America, Europe and now, Asia. The current phase 5 of WHO's flu alerts is one short of a full-blown pandemic. At phase 6, the disease has spread globally. Pandemics can be mild or severe. In 1968, the Hong Kong Flu spread to Vietnam, Australia, and India, among other countries, but killed only 0.1 per cent of those diagnosed with the virus.
Q: Now, 176 deaths related to Influenza A (H1N1) have been reported in Mexico. One child has died in the United States. Exactly how serious is this disease?
A: Influenza A (H1N1)'s "case-fatality rate", or how likely the virus will kill someone who is infected, is still unknown. The reason is this new vius, like all flu viruses, is always changing. Most of the time, the virus' new mutations are harmless versions of itself. But given enough opportunities to change - and this will happen as more humans pass it on - the virus may become more infectious and lethal. For now, scientists say the virus' case-fatality rate depends on the specific viral strain that strikes a particular community. Only then can they determine - from that specific mutation - how likely it will kill an infected person.
Q: There are thermal scanners at airports that will capture incoming travellers with fevers. So, we're safe, right?
A: Unfortunately, no. Scientists have said that up to one-third of those infected with Influenza A (H1N1) do not show any flu-like symptoms. For those who do, the virus is contagious one day before any symptoms - fevers, body aches, sore throats - surface. In other words, checks at our borders are not foolproof. Also, the incubation period of flu viruses can be as long as seven days. This means that travellers carrying the virus may develop symptoms only seven days after they cross our borders.
Q: There's no vaccine for Influenza A (H1N1), but what about getting the normal flu jab? Will that help?
A: Getting a flu vaccine is unlikely to protect you against the Influenza A (H1N1). But it can protect you against the seasonal flu, which kills about 600 people here each year. Right about now, Singapore is nearing its mid-year flu peak. Groups at risk for more serious health complications resulting from flu, including those aged 65 and older; children six months to five years; and people with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, diabetes or kidney failure, should consider being vaccinated. Health-care workers and caregivers might cosider vaccination, too, to protect those they care for. Vaccination also helps doctors cut down on "background noise", or the need to test for seasonal flu. That will reduce the number of patients who need medical attention, freeing up doctors to treat those potentially infected by the H1N1 virus.
Source: The Straits Times, 3 May 2009 
Q: That N95 mask I have from the Sars days – will I be protected from the flu if I wear that?
A: Surgical masks are good for one thing: To stop the spread of “droplets” from the person wearing the mask. In other words, those wearing a surgical mask are less likely to pass on diseases through talking or sneezing. A respirator mask like the N95 mask is designed to protect you from breathing in tiny particles that might contain viruses. But to work effectively, it must be specially fitted for each individual. Taking a mask on and off contaminates it and makes it less useful. Experts say
doing so will render the mask effective for only 30 minutes. Otherwise, masks have to be replaced
every two to three days. If used correctly, masks may reduce your risk of contracting flu, especially in
combination with other precautions such as maintaining good hygiene. The World Health Organisation advises the wearing of a mask if you are ill or caring for someone who is sick. Otherwise, you do not have to do so.
Q: I have just arrived in Singapore from Mexico and been served a home quarantine order. What does this mean?
A: In case you have been infected by the new Influenza A (H1N1) strain while in Mexico, you are being quarantined for seven days to avoid infecting others. If you have a residence in Singapore, you will be quarantined there. If you are a traveller here, you will be quarantined in a chalet or another premise provided by the Government. You cannot leave your home or your premise of quarantine, and you should not receive visitors. Practise good personal hygiene, and cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper if you cough or sneeze. You and your household members should check your temperature twice daily and look out for other symptoms. Government officers will call you regularly to check on your condition, and you should inform them once you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms. Your family members or others in your household can continue with their usual activities, but if they fall ill, they should also stay home and you should inform the officers immediately too. Anyone who breaks the home quarantine order can be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed for up to six
months. A repeat offender can be fined up to $20,000 and/or jailed up to for 12 months.
Source: The Straits Times, 4 May 2009 
Q: Where am I likely to pick up germs?
A: Germs are everywhere so it’s impossible to avoid them completely. Common crowded areas tend to be conducive to the transmission of germs and infections like the flu. The loop-holds in buses and MRT trains, the handrails of escalators, lift buttons and taps in the washroom are all ‘high-traffic’ common objects which are used by many people every day. These areas could have germs left by a previous user. Sharing food with others like dipping into a communal bag of chips or sharing a drink with a friend can also contribute to the transmission of germs and infections. The jury’s out on how long germs can last on a surface, but studies have shown that the influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to two to eight hours after being deposited. Experts believe germs can last longer on hard surfaces like wood and metal than on material and skin. Good personal hygiene can help protect you from getting germs or infections. It is important to wash your hands properly with soap and dry them completely, or disinfect them using an alcohol hand rub. It is also important not to touch your face – eyes, nose, mouth – before you have washed your hands.
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