Pandemic (H1N1) 2009

Key messages for the public on Pandemic (H1N1)

See also Frequently Asked Questions SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands

General information

1. Influenza caused by a new strain of the A(H1N1) virus is transmitted from human to human. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed.

2. This new strain of Pandemic (H1N1) is sensitive to medicines called oseltamivir and zanamivir.

3. Since this strain of Pandemic (H1N1) was never detected in humans before, there is no vaccine against it yet. Manufacture of a new influenza vaccine can take 5 to 6 months, or more.

4. The number of cases is changing on an hourly/daily basis

5. Not every case of influenza is caused by this new strain of Pandemic (H1N1).

6. Influenza is a visible disease. Therefore, countries can easily detect an unusual increase in number of cases.

7. The disease cannot be transmitted by mosquitoes or flies.

8. Influenza is not a food-borne disease and influenza viruses are not known to be transmissible to people through eating processed pork or other food products derived from pigs. Heat treatments commonly used in cooking meat (e.g. 70°C/160°F core temperature) will readily inactivate any viruses potentially present in raw meat products.

Things you can do to protect yourself and others

1. Avoid crowded places.

2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

3. Dispose of tissues in the garbage after use.

4. Avoid hugging, kissing and shaking hands when greeting.

5. Wash your hands regularly with water and soap, especially after sneezing or coughing.

6. Avoid close contact with sick people.

7. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

8.  If sick with influenza, stay at home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

9. If you have influenza symptoms after having traveled to an affected area or having been in contact with a person coming back from an affected area, seek medical advice as soon as possible.