Surgical masks do not prevent influenza.
Sleep, fluids, and food do not prevent influenza.

You can help prevent influenza by doing the following:

Regular hand washing. with proper drying of the hands
Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using tissues and disposing of them correctly
Early self-isolation of those feeling unwell, feverish and having other symptoms of influenza
Avoiding close contact with sick people
Avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth

Over and out.

Jamie

++++++++++++++++++

H1N1 flu claims three victims so far this year
Aung Phay Kyi Soe
Myanmar Times
21 June 2019
AUNG PHAY KYI SOE 21 JUN 2019

People wear surgical masks in Yangon. Simple measures such as using masks, washing hands, and covering mouths when coughing or sneezing can help reduce flu infections. The Myanmar Times

Yangon Region Health Department officials on Wednesday announced that three people have died as a result of H1N1 influenza so far this year, with the latest death on June 19.

The officials also said that eight other people were confirmed to have been infected by the virus out of 32 suspected patients treated in government hospitals from January to June 19 this year.

“We have plenty of experience in handling the virus due the H1N1 outbreak in 2017, so people need not be unduly worried,” said Yangon Region Health Department Deputy Director General Dr Htun Myint.

He reminded people that simple measures such as washing their hands properly, covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing, getting enough rest, and drinking plenty of water are effective measures to prevent the spreading of any kind of flu.

Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to ordinary influenza in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness, and general discomfort.

According to Dr Htun Myint, one person was confirmed to have had H1N1 out of 12 suspected patients in May, while seven were confirmed out of 20 suspected patients so far this month.

The three confirmed fatalities due to H1N1 flu were a 29-year-old woman in Kawhmu township, a 75-year-old man in Sanchaung township and a 32-year-old man in the Yuzana housing area of East Dagon township.

Health officials have visited the homes of the three victims, examined their family members, and are working with township officials to monitor the possible emergence of other cases, and to send to government hospitals any suspected patients.

“The best way to prevent seasonal flu infections is for people to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing, getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and if possible avoiding crowded places,” said Dr Daw Thet Su Mon, assistant director of the Extended Immunisation, Infection and Natural Disaster Unit of the Yangon Region Health Department.

Influenza, whether it is seasonal or H1N1, is an acute respiratory infection caused by viruses that circulate in all parts of the world, according to the World Health Organization. July to September is the usual influenza season in Myanmar, coinciding with the monsoon.

The virus spreads from one person to another through fine droplets when people cough or sneeze, or through contact.

The signs and symptoms of influenza is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, feeling unwell, sore throat, and a runny nose. Most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without requiring medical attention.

The H1N1 was first discovered in Myanmar in 2001. In 2009 more than 170 people suffered H1N1 infections throughout the country.

During the H1N1 outbreak in 2017, 97 people were confirmed to have the H1N1 virus out of 514 suspected cases, and 12 deaths were reported in Yangon.

https://www.mmtimes.com/news/h1n1-flu-claims-three-victims-so-far-year.html