Health Bulletin Against AH1N1 Virus Bared

by: Annaliza Capati

The Department of Edu-cation Division of Valenzuela conducted a meeting with school officials regarding the threat of the spread of A-H1N1 virus in the elementary and secondary schools. The meeting was held at Canumay National High School last June 17, 2009.

Dr. Peregrina, the Division Medical Health Officer IV discussed the importance of proper hand washing and personal hygiene in controlling the spread of the virus. She instructed all the school clinicians to prepare a demonstration of the health activities in their respective schools.

“A-H1N1 is a new strain of virus which can be transmitted human to human” Mrs. Riza Montalaba, GTDLNHS clinician disclosed during an interview at the school clinic. “There is no confirmed case of the virus infection in Valenzuela, but we are ready for the scenario” she added. Once a student is tested positive, the clinician will inform the principal and the parents for appropriate diagnosis and the student will be referred to designated centers for treatment - San Lazaro Hospital, Research Institute for Tropical Diseases and Philippine Lung Center.

A-H1N1 is medically referred to as Influenza A (Hemagglutin Type 1, Neuraminidase Type 1). The symptoms of the disease are similar to the ordinary flu such as fever, cough, sore throat and headache. Transmission is in the form of exposure to respiratory infected droplets produced by speaking, sneezing, and coughing.

Photo Credit: ChinaGate