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DIE virus wat op almal se lippe die afgelope paar maande is, het uiteindelik op die Kouga-streek se voorstoep aangeland n a ’n pasiënt by die Humansdorp-hospitaal positief vir Mexikaanse griep getoets is.
Meer besonderhede oor die geval kon nie deur die dokter, wat die diagnose bevestig het, verstrek word sonder die pasiënt se toestemming nie. Die pasiënt se besonderhede is ook vertroulik gehou. Helga van Staaden van Die Burger, berig dat selfs na 14 bevestigde gevalle van die A H1N1-virus (Mexikaanse griep) in die Oos-Kaap hou die provinsiale departement van gesondheid vol dat daar nie rede tot kommer of paniek is nie. Die nasionale instituut vir oordraagbare siektes (Nios) dui aan dat daar 14 H1N1-gevalle in die Oos-Kaap aangemeld is. Dit maak dit saam met die Wes-Kaap die provinsie met die tweede hoogste voorkom in die land. Mexikaanse griep is by twee Baaise inwoners gediagnoseer, maar het Sizwe Kupelo, woordvoerder van die provinsiale departement van gesondheid gesê die situasie is onder beheer. Volgens hom het die departement riglyne aan alle gesondheidsdistrikte in die provinsie gestuur oor hoe klinieke en hospitale die uitbreking en verspreiding van die virus moet hokslaan. Volgens die Nios-webwerf is daar tot dusver landwyd 114 H1N1-gevalle aangemeld. In Gauteng is daar sowat 68 gevalle, in die Wes-Kaap 14, Vrystaat 5, Noordwes 4, Mpumalanga 3 en in die Noord-Kaap 1 geval. Geen voorvalle is in Limpopo aangemeld nie. Swine Flu – what are the signs?THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has upgraded Swine Flu (A H1N1 virus) to pandemic status. This doesn’t mean that the virus is any more lethal – only that its spread is considered unstoppable. Since it was first detected in late April 2009 in Mexico and the United States, Swine Flu has reached 74 countries infecting nearly 29 000 people. Swine Flu is an influenza A H1N1 virus. It can be transmitted from human to human via droplets (e.g. breathing, sneezing and coughing in close proximity). It is more likely to be contracted from people who have travelled overseas or been in contact with people who have travelled. Swine Flu cannot be contracted from pork products. The symptoms of Swine Flu are identical to human influenza and include fever, coughing, body aches and fatigue. They may also include a runny nose, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea. Is there a treatment?A H1N1 or Swine Flu is treatable though there is not yet a vaccine available. The seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect humans against Swine Flu. The WHO has confirmed that preparation for an A H1N1 virus vaccination is underway and availability is anticipated shortly. The WHO still recommends the usual seasonal flu vaccination be continued as it is very successful in combating an entirely different strain of influenza. Antivirals are available for treatment of the A H1N1 virus. The WHO recommends the following treatment: Inhibitors of "influenza neuraminidase" ("oseltamivir" and "zanmivir"). What should you do if you suspect you have Swine Flu? The WHO strongly advises anybody with flu-like symptoms to immediately seek medical attention and explain to your doctor why you suspect you have Swine Flu. If you feel unwell, have a fever, a cough and/or a sore throat you should do the following: Stay at home; rest and take plenty of fluids; cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing. Use tissues only once and dispose of the used tissues into a waste disposable bin; wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly – especially after coughing and sneezing; inform family and friends about your illness and seek help for household chores that require contact with other people, such as shopping. How can you protect yourself?1.Cover your nose and mouth while travelling 2.Boost your immune system by getting enough sleep, exercise and nutrients 3.Wash your hands frequently with soap and water 4.Try to avoid contact with people who have a fever or cough 5.If you suspect you have Swine Flu, have yourself tested by a GP.
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