| |
Border, Foreign Affairs and Tourism Work
Group
FAQs on Influenza
I. Disease
1. What is influenza?
It is a highly contagious respiratory disease of viral origin.
2. Is the virus a bacteria? If not, how long can it remain
active outside a human carrier?
The virus is not a bacteria. Rather it is known as a complex
supra-molecular structure which to replicate or reproduce itself
requires a suitable host cell. It is possible for the influenza
virus to remain active on different surfaces, which is why it is
recommendable to follow the hygiene measures that the Ministry
of Health has made public.
3. What type of influenza is affecting Mexico? Is it the same as
seasonal influenza?
No. This influenza, known as swine influenza, is different from
those known so far which have affected human beings. The virus
is A (H1N1).
4. What are the symptoms of this virus?
5. How is influenza diagnosed?
The diagnosis is done by a doctor by identifying the virus in
nose or throat secretions (viral isolation) in the first 24-72
hours after the illness has begun, or by means of a blood test
to identify antibodies.
6. How does a doctor confirm the presence of influenza in a
patient?
Through a special laboratory test.
7. What can happen to me if I catch this virus?
The swine influenza virus can be controlled if detected in time,
which is why it is very important to see a doctor as soon as the
symptoms appear.
8. Is it possible to be ill from influenza without yet showing
any symptoms?
Yes. The symptoms can appear after you have caught the virus.
9. They say young people between the ages of 25 and 45 are the
most vulnerable. Why?
The groups at highest risk are children under 5 and the aged, or
people with manifestations that diminish their immunological
capacity. People who smoke, live with diabetes or some other
chronic disease are at greater risk. In the current epidemic
young adults have been in closer contact with the virus because
of their mobility.
10. How is influenza transmitted from one person to another?
By direct contact between people or with objects containing the
virus which then have access to the respiratory tract.
11. Is it possible for the virus to travel and be transmitted by
means other than human contact? For example, is it possible for
the virus to be suspended in the air or contained in food or
export goods?
The virus is transmitted from person to person, whether by
contact with saliva droplets (coughing or sneezing) or with
contaminated surfaces and materials, including hands, toys,
plates, glasses, computer keyboards, telephones, door handles,
bathroom faucets and other commonly used utensils.
12. Will the rainy season represent a major problem in terms of
transmission of the virus?
There is no relation whatsoever.
13. Where do I go if I have symptoms?
To Health Sector clinics or any clinic or hospital.
14. Is it possible to acquire the illness through Mexican export
products, whether fresh or canned, or through correspondence and
parcels from Mexico?
No. The virus is active only for a few minutes outside the
organism. Canned goods are not virus transmitters. Fresh produce
should be handled with the usual hygiene measures to avoid
transmission of diverse diseases.
15. Can I eat pork?
Infection is viral, transmitted from person to person, so there
is no problem with eating pork.
16. Can I become infected if I live or work near farms where
there are pigs and poultry?
No. The virus is transmitted from person to person.
II. Prevention
17. How can I prevent this virus?
-
Avoid contact with sick people with
respiratory symptoms
-
Avoid attending mass events
-
Wash your hands constantly
-
Do not greet anyone with a handshake or
a kiss
-
Use masks in public places
-
Do not under any circumstances take
drugs not prescribed by a doctor
-
Follow the Mexican government’s
indications
18. How can the influenza affecting Mexico
today be prevented?
In general, we recommend good eating habits and regular rest as
the basis for a healthy life. Specifically, avoid sudden changes
of temperature, wash your hands frequently, avoid crowded
places, stay away from people with symptoms of respiratory
infection, do not share food, glasses or cutlery, ventilate the
rooms where you are, maximize hygiene with items of common use (telephones,
bathrooms, elevators), avoid greeting people with a handshake or
kiss, use masks and gloves and, when coughing or sneezing, cover
your mouth with a handkerchief or with the inner elbow. Do not
smoke.
III. Treatment
19. Is there a vaccine for the influenza affecting Mexico?
No. Since it is a different strain from those known so far,
there is no vaccine, although scientific work is under way to
begin developing one and making it available in the next few
months.
20. If I need treatment, can I go to a government clinic so I
don’t have to pay?
Yes. Federal, state and municipal authorities have implemented
measures to make this possible.
21. If influenza is detected, does the patient require
hospitalization or can he/she go back home and convalesce there?
Depending on how serious the illness is, the medical authorities
will decide whether the patient should be isolated and stay in
the hospital or clinic. If the patient is at home, he/she should
maintain complete rest and follow doctor’s orders.
22. What is the antiviral that Mexico is using to treat
influenza? Are there enough doses to deal with an escalation of
the epidemic?
Oseltamivir, which is an inhibitor of neurominidase, used for
the treatment or prevention of influenza. It is available in
capsules or suspension. It is made by the Roche pharmaceutical
company under the trade name Tamiflu. Its use is not recommended
in infants under 1 year. Another possible antiviral is Zanamivir.
At present we have one million treatments of Oseltamivir, so we
believe we will not have any problems in dealing with demand in
Mexico, even if more cases arise.
23. How long does treatment with the antiviral last?
The duration of the illness varies from person to person. The
antiviral reduces its duration by a day or a day and a half and
isolates the influenza in the organism so that its natural
defenses can more efficiently combat the disease, preventing the
appearance of respiratory complications that could require
antibiotics.
24. I know that Roche laboratories’ Tamiflu is an effective
antiviral for these cases. Can it be acquired as a generic drug?
In 2005 Cipla Industries of India began research for the
production and marketing of Oseltamivir by means of sub-licenses
from Roche to manufacture the generic drug. At the moment in
Mexico no generic drug is available to substitute Tamiflu.
25. Are any treatments with alternative medicine recommended for
this case of influenza?
The recommendation is to consult a physician or go to a health
center as soon as the symptoms appear and carefully follow
recommendations.
26. Is any medication or food contraindicated should an
influenza infection be suspected?
You should go to your doctor for a reliable diagnosis and to
receive instructions on the medicines and measures indicated for
your case.
IV. Mexico’s response
27. What control measures is the authority establishing to avoid
contagion from the mortal remains of those who died from
influenza?
Proven cases of people who died have received special treatment
to eliminate any risk and danger.
28. Does the government have sufficient doses of antiviral
medicine to treat patients in case of a pandemic?
There are sufficient doses to confront a situation of greater
gravity and the Government has allocated extra funds to contend
with the situation.
29. The toll-free number 01 800 123 1010 asks me to call back in
10 minutes. Are they going to provide it with greater response
capacity? If I dial from a cellular phone, will it cost me?
Measures have been taken to increase response capacity on that
number. In case of saturation, you may need a little patience.
There is no cost whatsoever for users.
30. The President of Mexico announced that the Health Ministry
would be empowered to enter any dwelling to control the epidemic.
If I receive a visit, how do I know that the people are
authorized personnel?
You must demand to see an official ID issued by the Ministry of
Health from the technicians who visit homes. The Ministry itself
will widely distribute a bulletin announcing and explaining the
start of a program of visits.
31. Where and to whom can I report any abuses during the course
of these inspections?
The Health Ministry itself will place at citizens’ disposal the
phone numbers for contact to respond to this type of complaints.
V. Considerations for travelers and international aspects
32. Can I visit Mexico in spite of the epidemic?
Yes. The Government of Mexico has taken coordination measures
with the World Health Organization (WHO) which allow travel by
tourists, businessmen and women, family members and all types of
people to Mexico. WHO is following up constantly on Mexico’s
situation and should the situation change it will be made public
immediately.
33. I have ‘flu and I need to go to Mexico. Will they let me in?
Yes. We recommend that you see a specialist as soon as possible
to eliminate any suspicion of swine influenza.
34. I was vaccinated this year against influenza. Am I protected
if I travel to Mexico?
No. Swine influenza is different from other types of influenza.
35. Which are the cities currently affected by the virus?
In Mexico cases have been reported mainly in Mexico City and its
metropolitan area in the State of Mexico, as well as in the
states of San Luis Potosí, Baja California, Hidalgo and Oaxaca.
36. If I already have plans to travel to Mexico, would you
recommend postponing the trip?
No. The influenza epidemic has been detected and seen to in a
timely manner. Sufficient information exists to know about its
evolution. For the time being the cases have been identified and
all government institutions are working to provide safety to
visitors.
37. If more and more cases of influenza are detected in Mexico,
is it possible that international health authorities will ask
the Government of Mexico to close the country’s borders?
Should the World Health Organization decide to raise the
category of the incidence of influenza in Mexico, WHO, based on
its authority as an organization of which our country forms part,
would adopt the contingency measures agreed on by its members.
Controlling cross-border flows of people is a measure whose
application will be determined by WHO in coordination with our
country’s sanitary authorities.
38. Have checkpoints been established on the country’s highways
to inspect passengers suspected of being carriers of the virus?
The Ministry of Health, in coordination with the federal
government agencies responsible, would make the corresponding
announcement if a program of this nature were to be initiated.
39. Can the airlines prevent me from traveling to Mexico?
The trip cannot be prevented as long as WHO does not decree a
quarantine and the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) does not issue instructions in that regard to the
airlines to prevent travel to Mexico.
40. Do I have to get vaccinated against influenza before going
to Mexico?
So far there is no vaccine against swine influenza. We suggest
you get the recommended vaccines.
41. Is it safe to travel to Mexico with children?
Yes. It is important to know the applicable sanitary
recommendations and restrictions.
42. I want to travel to Mexico. What happens if I get influenza?
Will they let me out?
You would be cared for immediately to safeguard your health.
Once you are out of danger you could continue your journey.
43. Have the airlines that operate flights to different cities
in Mexico implemented protection measures for their passengers
in the event that a passenger might be infected?
Yes. Transportation authorities and companies have coordinated
measures to confront the influenza epidemic. Also, special
counters have been put into operation in Mexico’s airports.
|
|
