Extraordinary Meeting of Swine Flu Experts Held in Geneva

Posted on July 15, 2009 by Nancy Houser

As of July 11, approximately $350 million dollars has been set aside by the U.S. government for the expected arrival of the swine flu (H1N1) and the usual seasonal flu bug in October. Plans have been made for the swine flu vaccine to be ready by then before the flu bugs hit in the northern hemisphere of our world.

On July 9, a summit had been held by the U.S. government to prepare for the approaching health problem. According to World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Margaret Chan, “Once a fully fit pandemic virus emerges, its further international spread is unstoppable.”

Since WHO declared the new H1N1 a pandemic, the virus has spread with the number of countries having it more than doubling in number. So far, the United States has continued to report the largest number of “novel H1N1 cases” of any worldwide country.

According to WHO, over 400 people have died so far from the swine flu with over 90,000 confirmed swine flu diagnosed cases. On July 7, 2009, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) met in Geneva regarding the H1N1 vaccine. Considered to be an extraordinary meeting, the panel met to discuss the H1N1 issue and vaccine related recommendations with three objectives in mind: (1) to protect the integrity of the health-care system and the country’s critical infrastructure; (2) reduce morbidity and mortality; and (3) reduce transmission of the pandemic virus within communities.

HOW H1N1 IS CONFIRMED

The H1N1 flu is confirmed as:

A “laboratory confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection” is defined through (1) Real time RT-PCR and (2) a viral culture.
A “probable case of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection” as defined by a person testing positive for influenza A, but negative for human H1 and H3 by influenza RT-PCR.

PEOPLE TARGETED BY H1N2

To many people, the swine flu will be only moderately severe with very few complications. But at-risk groups consist of pregnant women, individuals with asthma and/or chronic conditions, and those who are morbidly obese who will have higher chances of getting a more severe form of swine flu which could possibly lead to their death.

According to the WHO and SAGE organizations, the swine flu is considered completely unstoppable with limitations on what can be done, even with the best of vaccines and anti-viral medicine soon becoming available. The upcoming vaccine will be distributed to all countries with an emphasis on achieving equity among countries needing to access the swine flu vaccine.

According to the WHO director, H1N1 recommendations will need to be changed if and when new evidence becomes available, But meanwhile:

All health-care workers will be immunized first as a priority, in order to protect the health infrastructure.

Countries will need to determine their order of priority involving: pregnant women; anyone over 6 months with numerous chronic medical conditions; healthy young adults from age 15 to 49; healthy children; healthy adults age 50 to 64; and healthy adults over age 65.

HOW IS SWINE FLU SPREAD?

H1N1 can be spread from person-to-person

H1N1 can be spread by exposure to infected droplets which are expelled through coughing or sneezing, which can be inhaled or contaminates the hands or nearby-by surfaces.

H1N1 infected individuals should stay home, cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wash hands routinely, stay away from health people if possible.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU?

H1N1 in people has very little or no immunity as it is a new virus, which causes more infections than the usual seasonal flu.

High fevers over 100 degrees

Coughing

Headaches

Muscle and joint pain

Sore throats

Runny noses

Vomiting

Diarrhea

HOW TO CARE FOR PETS IF YOU HAVE SWINE FLU

If you develop swine flu, there are safety measures when caring for your pets, remembering that pot-bellied pigs are able to obtain the H1N1 virus.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling the animal.

Wear disposable gloves and wash your hands before and after handling an animal’s saliva, urine, blood and feces.

Do not board your pet in public boarding facilities if your household has the swine flu or if there are local reports of the disease being in your area.