PILI, CAMSUR-The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur in collaboration with the regional office of the Department of Health conducted an orientation seminar on Influenza A (H1N1) Tuesday, May 19 at Regent Hotel to inform and educate participants on the salient points of this virus which originated in Mexico and now inexorably spreading to different parts of the world.
The activity was spearheaded a composite team from the DOH regional office and personnel of Camarines Sur's Provincial Health Office.
The activity was fully supported by Governor LRay Villafuerte who considers the health of his constituents among the priorities of his intensified social services programs.
At present, almost 40 countries have reported cases of Influenza A (H1N1), the latest country being Chile, according to Dr. Alan Lucanas, City Health Officer I and head of the Infectious Disease Cluster of the Department of Health regional office, based on the latest report from World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Lucanas also reported that the worst cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) in Asia is currently in Japan with 125 confirmed cases.
Resource speakers of the orientation were Dr. Arnulfo Carandang, Medical Specialist IV, PHT Leader, Camarines Sur B, and Dr. Alan Lucanas.
The Influenza A (H1N1), according to Dr. Lucanas, is caused by a novel virus that resulted from the reassortment of four (4) viruses from pigs, humans, and birds. He also pointed out that there is no vaccine yet to protect humans from this virus. But there are existing and recommended medicines that are effective in treating these viruses.
Some of the signs and symptoms in humans which are similar to regular flu are as follows: fever, headache, fatigue, muscle, or joint pains, lack of appetite, runny nose, sore throat, cough, vomiting or nausea and diarrhea.
It was emphasized by the medical experts that we should cover the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, always wash hands with soap and water, avoid close contact with sick people, and increase the body's resistance to protect oneself from getting sick.
According to Dr. Lucanas, the virus can be transmitted through exposure to droplets from cough and sneeze of an infected person.
Preparedness plans have been made during the afternoon session which was reported by Dr. Gerardo N. Villafuerte, the newly appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Health Office as well as in municipalities spearheaded by the Municipal Health Officers who attended the activity. /LAGavino/AnnTuy-MMEC