Information about virus and contamination
A new flu has broken out in Mexico, the so-called swine flu (now New Influenza A). At the moment people all over the world are getting sick from this new virus. What exactly is it and how dangerous is this flu variant?
Flu viruses are mutable. In this way, a harmless variety can develop into a more contagious species. At the moment this has happened in Mexico with the Mexican (swine) flu. It concerns a new variant of the flu virus, the influenza A/H1N1. This is a mix of different variants of bird flu, swine flu and human flu.
How dangerous is it?
The Mexican flu has now become a pandemic. This has been determined by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is the first time in 41 years that there has been a pandemic.
The emphasis is still on curbing the spread of the disease. The Netherlands will probably enter a phase in which this approach changes at a later date. In that case, the emphasis will mainly be on providing the right medical care as quickly as possible and less on detection.
Can it be treated?
In principle, the existing flu medicines such as Tamiflu can reduce the symptoms of the disease. People have died from the swine flu, but the disease does not have to be fatal. In the Netherlands, as far as is known, only mild cases are involved.
When should I see a doctor?
Several cases of swine flu are now known in the Netherlands. RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) advises people who have returned from Mexico or the US and who have a fever (38 degrees or higher) and flu symptoms, or develop them within 7 days, to contact their doctor.
People who have been to other countries where the new flu is circulating and who have had contact with sick people should also report to their GP if they have these symptoms.
In addition to a fever, you may also experience the following symptoms:
-
cough
- No appetite
- muscle strain
- a sore throat
- nausea
- diarrhea
- listlessness
- cold
- running nose
More information
There is currently no negative travel advice for Mexico or the US . However, during your trip you should pay better attention to the normal hygiene measures that apply in the event of flu and colds to prevent contamination. You could also wear a mouth cap, but it is not clear to what extent that can prevent contamination.
On the website of the European Center of Disease Prevention and Control and of the WHO the most recent developments around the virus are reported.
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