From: Sy, Francisco (NIH/NCMHD) [E] <syf@ncmhd.nih.gov>
Subject: Urgent! Important Information about 2009 H1N1 Flu
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2009, 12:16 PM
Please post in the UPAAA this important information about the 2009 H1N1 Flu or
Swine Flu. For more updated information, please check regularly the following
three websites:
1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.nih.gov/employee/pandemicflu/index.html
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/whatsnew.htm
3. World Health Organization (WHO)
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
Francisco S. Sy, MD, DrPH
Director
Division of Extramural Activities & Scientific Programs
National Center on Minority Health & Health Disparities
National Institutes of Health
6707 Democracy Blvd., Suite 800, MSC 5465
Bethesda, MD 20892-5465
Phone: 301-402-1366
FAX: 301-480-4049
E-mail: syf@mail.nih.gov
-----Original Message-----
From: ORS Director
Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:33 PM
To: NIH-STAFF-URGENT@LIST.NIH.GOV
Subject: Information for NIH Staff about 2009 H1N1 Flu
In response to the recent outbreak of "2009 H1N1 Flu", the following
message
provides additional information about the situation and offers steps you can
take to help prevent the spread of influenza.
There are currently six suspected cases of swine flu in the MD/DC/VA region,
although cases have been identified in several other states in the United
States as well as in other countries. The NIH is working closely with the
Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) to be prepared in the event that a 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic is
declared. The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are diligently
investigating the outbreaks to better understand the disease and its
transmission.
The following is a brief summary of information released by public health
officials:
What Do We Know?
* The 2009 H1N1 virus is a new influenza virus that contains genetic pieces
from four different virus sources. Today, CDC reported 109 confirmed human
infections, and more hospitalizations. There has been the nation's first
fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death
suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be
emerging in the U.S. The World Health Organization has raised its alert level
to 5. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues
to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in
the coming days and weeks.
* Symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 flu are nearly identical to those of regular
seasonal flu - fever, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, and occasionally
vomiting and diarrhea.
* The 2009 H1N1 virus is susceptible to two major prescription antiviral drugs
(Tamiflu and Relenza).
* As a result of the intensive investigation and monitoring by CDC and WHO, we
expect the numbers of confirmed cases to increase.
* Cases in the United States have been relatively mild as compared to those in
Mexico. There has been one death and relatively few hospitalizations. The
reasons for this difference are unknown at this time.
* Because the strain is so new, there is no vaccine against this 2009 H1N1 flu.
The past year's flu vaccine likely does not provide protection against the
new
strain.
* Initial steps are being taken to begin development of a vaccine to provide
protection against this strain, but a decision to do so has not been made yet.
If that is done, it likely will take at least six months before the vaccine
would become available.
* The 2009 H1N1 flu is spread from person-to-person like other flu viruses. The
virus is NOT spread by eating pork.
For the most up-to-date information available from the CDC, go to the following
link: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/whatsnew.htm.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself and Your Family?
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause
respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your
health:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do
not have a tissue, please shield your nose and mouth with your arm and not your
hand.
* Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or
sneeze, or before you eat. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective
when used properly.
* Whenever possible, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Viruses can be
spread this way.
* Avoid close contact with individuals with respiratory infections, if
feasible.
* If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches,
runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, stay home from work
or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Contact
your healthcare provider and they will determine whether influenza testing or
treatment is needed.
The NIH Clinical Center is preparing for all possibilities and currently has
deployed a limited set of infection prevention and control steps. These
measures are in response to the available information about the current
epidemiology of the 2009 H1N1 flu.
The NIH has a website dedicated to pandemic flu issues, including a link to the
NIH pandemic flu plan. To view, please visit:
http://www.nih.gov/employee/pandemicflu/index.html.
For the most up-to-date information available from the CDC, go to the following
link: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/whatsnew.htm. At this time, the CDC
recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. Changes
to this recommendation will be posted at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.
Further information on international cases may be found from the World Health
Organization at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.
We will update you regarding any changes or developments affecting the NIH and
its workforce. In the meantime, if you have questions, please visit the CDC
website at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/whatsnew.htm.
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