Overview of the current Pandemic H1N1 2009 situation

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is continuing to spread throughout Viet Nam. The spread of the virus to all countries, worldwide, is considered inevitable.

It is important to note that this pandemic is currently referred to as of “moderate” severity based upon the global situation. The overwhelming majority of patients are recovering without the need for hospitalization or even medical care, the levels of severe cases are similar to the levels we expect for seasonal influenza, and the health care systems are able to cope with the number of people seeking care.

With the increasing spread of H1N1 in Viet Nam, we expect that there will be a number of people who have serious complications and some will die.

Experience from other countries shows there are certain groups considered to be at “high risk” of serious complications from Pandemic (H1N1) 2009. People with a chronic condition, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease such as asthma, diabetes, and cancer are currently among the people considered to be at high risk of serious complications from influenza.


There is evidence that pregnant women are also at high risk for more severe disease – especially those in the second and third trimester. And, a recent report suggests obesity may be another risk factor for severe disease.

Any one who has one of these conditions should seek medical advice if they develop influenza like symptoms.

The symptoms of pandemic H1N1 are similar to seasonal influenza, such as fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea.

The virus is transmitted by inhaling infected droplets expelled by talking, coughing, or sneezing; or by touching contaminated hands or surfaces, the same as the normal seasonal flu.

The best protection measures for H1N1 are the SAME as for any influenza virus:

* Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly. You may also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands first.
* Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze by using your sleeve, a tissue, or a mask.
* Avoid or reduce the time spent in close contact with people who appear unwell and/or have a fever and cough.
* Reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible.
* Keep a distance of at least 1 meter between you and other persons especially if they have influenza-like symptoms.
* Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows.
* Practice good health habits including getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
* STAY HOME IF YOU HAVE A FEVER, COUGH and/or SORE THROAT

NOTE: WHO no longer requires countries to report all cases of pandemic H1N1 and many countries are no longer routinely testing for the virus. However, countries are continuing to monitor changes in the virus that may be important for case management and vaccine development.

When there is sustained community transmission, the detection, laboratory confirmation and investigation of all cases, including those with mild illness, is extremely resource-intensive. In some countries, this strategy is absorbing most national laboratory and response capacity, leaving little capacity for the monitoring and investigation of severe cases and other exceptional events. Moreover, the counting of individual cases is no longer essential for monitoring the risk posed by the pandemic virus or to guide implementation of the most appropriate response measures. Despite these changes in reporting requirements.

Given the change in reporting requirements, we will only update the number of globally reported cases on a weekly basis. It is important to keep in mind that the number of cases reported will understate the real number of cases.

Source: http://www.wpro.who.int/vietnam/sites/dcc/h1n1/