The World Health Organization recently announced they have elevated the H1N1 influenza virus outbreak to a global pandemic designation. This revised designation was expected by health care providers since the new designation recognized the geographic spread of the virus, and not a change in the severity of the H1N1 virus.
Local, and state health care providers and agencies as well as the U.S. government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been treating the H1N1 influenza virus outbreak as if it was a pandemic since initial reports of the viral infection in late April.
The good news is that while we’ve now seen the virus spread world-wide, we haven’t seen the H1N1 influenza virus undergo any significant mutations that make it a more severe or fatal influenza virus strain. Thus far, most of the cases repored in the U.S. have been mild and infected people have had a full recovery. In the San Deigo region, we have not seen a significant increase in hospitalization rates of patients infected with the H1N1 influenza virus.
It is, however, important to acknowledge that H1N1 influenza has resulted in severe cases and even the deaths of some patients in the United States, similar to what occurs with the typical, seasonal influenza. That fact, coupled with today’s elevated designation by the WHO of the H1N1 virus as a pandemic, However, the recent designation of the H1N1 influenza virus as a pandemic should be an important and sobering reminder that all strains of the influenza virus can cause serious and life-threating problems for some parts of the population and its important to be vigilant and practice good hygeine to prevent unnessecary spread of the influenza virus.
Some quick health tips from the CDC include:
- Keep up to date The CDC Web site has regular updates about the H1N1 influenza outbreak.
- Take these common sense actions to prevent spreading the virus.
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Use a tissue and throw away, or be sure to wash your hands.
- Keep your hands clean – Use either soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Avoid spreading the virus by not touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- If you are sick, stay home from work or school.The current CDC recommendation is to stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.
- Follow public health recommendations about school closures, avoiding crowds and large gatherings if there is a significant influenza outbreak in your area.
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