New Influenza A (H1N1) (previously Mexican flu)

The Mexican flu, also referred to as the New Influenza A (H1N1), currently features prominently in the media. The WHO has indicated that an influenza pandemic is involved. This means that the flu is now spreading across different countries and continents. The New Influenza has meanwhile hit 74 countries, including the Netherlands.

The number of infections in the Netherlands is also rising, also among people who have not been abroad themselves. It is a mild flu; the symptoms are similar to an ordinary seasonal flu. Because H1N1 is a new influenza virus, few people have built up resistance against it. Therefore, there is a substantial risk that the influenza will contaminate a large number of people. In a worst-case scenario one in three people will fall ill.

Characteristics New Influenza A (H1N1)

The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of an ordinary influenza. It is very likely that someone is infected with the H1N1 virus if he/she has a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or more and respiratory problems, aching muscles, a headache.

Danger of infection

The influenza is infectious from 1 day before to 6 days after the onset of the first symptoms of the illness. However, not everyone becomes sick after being infected. Some people who are infected with the virus do not become sick. They can infect others, though.

Measures taken by the government

The government gives information on the spreading and prevention of the influenza and advice to companies and organisation on how to prepare for a pandemic.

Only people who belong to the at-risk group (people who annually receive a call for an influenza vaccination and women in the last three months of pregnancy) have to contact their GP and will be examined. When diagnosed with the H1N1 virus they are given a virus inhibitor.

In addition, work is being done on a vaccine. This will probably be available around October 2009 at the earliest. The government has purchased large stocks of these.

Preventive use of virus inhibitors

It is no use taking the virus inhibitors by way of prevention. After you have stopped taking the pills, you are just as susceptible to the virus. The virus inhibitors may only be taken over a short period, whereas the influenza pandemic travels around in bouts of 2-3 months. Besides, it unnecessarily increases the risk of the influenza developing resistance.

Measures taken by UT

For the UT, the flu in particular affects the continuity of our educational and research activities. At this moment, the UT is following the advice and measures as recommended by the RIVM (National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Protection). For the introduction of first-year students, ‘Kick-In’, additional measures have been taken together with the organisation. We are closely watching the developments. Scenarios and additional measures are currently being explored and will be applied as soon as necessary. Up-to-date information will be posted on this website.

Measures you can take to limit spreading of the disease

The influenza virus spreads in droplets of mucus and saliva released during talking, coughing and sneezing. Transfer takes place in particular in spaces where people are sitting closely together and where ventilation is poor. The virus is also spread via the hands and objects. You can protect yourself by:

·	covering your mouth by a hand or handkerchief when sneezing and coughing;

·	regularly washing your hands with water and soap;

·	touching mouth, nose and eyes as little as possible;

·	using paper tissues for coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose only once. Discard them after use;

·	cleaning door handles regularly;

·	Ventilating living and sleeping spaces;

·	If you share your working place, clean the phone and keyboard before you start working.

What to do if you are ill?

Stay at home if you suspect being infected with the H1N1 virus (a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or more and respiratory problems). You may only resume work after all symptoms have completely disappeared. Only contact your GP if your symptoms grow worse or if you belong to the at-risk group (people who annually receive a call for an influenza vaccination and women in the last three months of pregnancy);

·	When reporting sick, mention that the H1N1-virus is probably involved;

·	If you have been in contact with a confirmed patient or housemate infected with the H1N1 virus, you can continue your work. However, be alert to developing any symptoms of a fever. In that case go home immediately and only return to work when all the flu symptoms have disappeared.

·	Upon your return from a country where the flue is constantly being transmitted, but you have not been in contact with a confirmed patient, you can go to work as usual. However, be on the alert for any symptoms of flu during the first week. As soon as you develop these, stay at home immediately.

I am travelling abroad. What measures can I take?

UT staff and students travelling to countries where the New Influenza is found are advised to take the following measures:

·	Avoid contact with people with influenza;

·	Observe general hygiene measures:

-	Cover your mouth with your hand or handkerchief when sneezing or coughing

-	Regularly wash your hands using water and soap

-	Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes as much as possible

-	Use paper handkerchiefs for coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose and throw them away immediately after use. Discard them in the waste bin

-	Regularly clean objects such as door handles

-	Properly air living and sleeping spaces

·	Keep an eye on your local situation and follow any advice from health authorities;

·	If you are ill, consult a physician. If you obtain the H1N1 virus abroad, you have to follow the local instructions. A local physician will inform you what measures should be taken.

An overview of the countries with an incidence of New Influenza A (H1N1) can be found on the website of the WHO. For up-to-date travel advice go to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. General information about the New Influenza A (H1N1) virus can be found on the websites of the RIVM (in Dutch) and the ECDC (in English).

Are you a staff member of the UT and do you have personal questions and/or need a personal advice, you can contact the working conditions service, arbodienst Santar, telephone (053 – 489) 8030, and ask for one of the in-house doctors.