Allianz Worldwide Care
June 15, 2009
General Information:
- On 11 June WHO raised Swine Influenza officially to "Pandemic" level , albeit adding that danger of the virus is to be considered "moderate"
- Swine influenza is a respiratory disease in pigs and is caused by Type A Influenza virus
- Flu outbreaks in pigs are actually quite common
- Swine flu viruses can infect humans, but this is not common. Recent studies show that up to 25% of swine farmers, as well as 10% of veterinarians, may have been infected with the virus during their life.
- Certain strains of the virus, such as the currently famous H1N1, have the ability to infect humans who are in close contact with infected pigs.
- The current outbreak in humans shows that the involved strain has the ability to spread between humans. However, the evidence suggests that this virus is less lethal than the H5N1 “Bird flu” virus
- Symptoms are: fever, coughing, fatigue and generalised body ache
- Infection with the virus is easily confirmed via a throat swab
- The virus is sensitive to medications Tamiflu® and Relenza®
Preventative Measures:
- Avoid travel to known affected areas
- Avoid contact with pigs – eating well cooked pork meat is absolutely safe
- Increase your general hygienic precautions, such as frequent hand washing, only using disposable handkerchiefs and avoiding crowded areas
- See your family doctor if you develop a fever accompanied by flu-like symptoms
Please note that all Allianz Worldwide Care Policyholders are fully covered for all the necessary investigations into, and treatments of, Swine Flu.
If your plan includes cover for medically necessary Evacuations/Repatriations, you are eligible to be transported to either the nearest appropriate medical centre, or your home country, if adequate treatment facilities are not available locally.
For the latest developments, please log onto: www.who.int...Home / International Healthcare News from Dr. Ulli // Search
