CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — Health Secretary Enrique Ona confirmed that six elementary students here have contracted the AH1N1 virus but said there is no need to panic.
The six students were confirmed July 10 to be infected with the deadly A-H1N1 virus or the pandemic swine flu after they were tested positive of the virus during their medical consultation in their school clinic last week.
Dr. Joy Villanueva, Candon City Assistant Health Officer, assured however that there was no need to worry as the students were undergoing proper medication and bed rest in their respective communities.
The city health office is closely monitoring the persons who have direct contact with the victims to prevent the possible spread of the virus, she said.
“We are conducting continuous surveillance and monitoring in the school and in communities where
the victims are residing in order to contain the spread of the virus,” she said.
City Health Officer Narciso Ramos refused to reveal the identity, location and school of the affected students to prevent local residents from panicking.
Ramos instead advised local residents to undertake extra caution and vigilance to maintain good health, especially this rainy season.
He said the symptoms of A-H1N1 are similar to the symptoms of common flu which include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea.
Symptoms can develop within one to four days and range from mild to severe.
“If these symptoms occur, people should call their doctor,” Ramos said.
It was learned that swine flu virus has the greatest chance of entering the body through the eyes, nose and mouth.
Thus, the people are advised to avoid touching shared surfaces and to wash their hands frequently. People are also advised to avoid close contact with sick people.
It was also reported that there was no current vaccine against swine flu; however, doctors recommended that people take the anti-viral drugs Relenza and Tamiflury.
The avoid being infected with A-H1N1 virus, the people are also advised to practice proper hygiene; washing hands before eating meals; eat nutritious fruits and vegetables and take multi-vitamins.
A-H1N1 is a respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses that infect the person's respiratory tract.
There were also a few cases of A-H1N1 in Candon City last year, it was learned.
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