A. What is known about this novel Influenza A (H1N1) so far? As of June 1, 2009, 62 countries have officially reported 17,410 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection with 115 deaths.

The Philippines has documented 22 cases with no morbidity nor mortality.

Most cases of Influenza A (H1N1) have affected young adults and children. It has presented as a wide spectrum of illness from a mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe fatal pneumonia. While most cases were described as mild and not needing hospitalization, some cases had complications such as secondary bacterial infections, rhadomyolysis with renal failure, myocarditis and worsening of underlying conditions like asthma.

Influenza is considered a droplet infection, transmitted by heavy aerosol droplets which fall to the ground by gravity three (3) feet from the nose or mouth of an infected coughing or sneezing patient. It is easily passed on from one ill person to unsuspecting individuals within three (3) feet distance mainly by inhalation of the infectious droplets or contact with mucus membranes.

Influenza is suspected when one has fever (temperature > 37.8 degrees Celsius) AND at least two of the following respiratory symptoms: rhinorrhea (sipon), nasal congestion (baradong ilong), sore throat (makating lalamunan) or cough (ubo).

Because this is a novel virus and individuals have no previous immunity, it is expected that many will be susceptible to this new infection. Vaccines are still being developed against this new virus.