The Philippine Embassy in Seoul wishes to advise all Filipino nationals in South Korea to take all necessary health precautions in light of the continued outbreak of swine flu, a contagious influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.

Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
Persons who experience the above-mentioned symptoms are encouraged to report to the nearest hospital/medical facility for examination. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 70 per cent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.
Young children are also at high risk of serious complications from 2009 H1N1, just as they are from seasonal flu. And while people 65 and older are the least likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 flu, if they get sick, they are also at “high risk” of developing serious complications from their illness.
Following are some “emergency warning signs” that should signal anyone to seek medical care urgently:
In children:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash
In adults:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
To help prevent the spread of infection, everyone is requested to strictly observe the following measures:
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Alcohol-based sanitizers are most effective;
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth;
• Wash hands with liquid soap promptly if they are contaminated by respiratory tract secretions, e.g., after sneezing or coughing;
• Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharges properly;
• Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
• Wear a surgical mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection or fever develop. Seek medical advice promptly; and
• Refrain from going to work or school if you develop symptoms of influenza.
There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for treating both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 called “antiviral drugs.” These drugs can make infected persons better faster and may also prevent serious complications. This flu season, antiviral drugs are being used mainly to treat people who are very sick, such as people who need to be hospitalized, and to treat sick people who are more likely to get serious flu complications. The health care providers will decide whether antiviral drugs are needed to treat illnesses as most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs.