BY NOW it is obvious that the Influenza A(H1N1) virus is not as dangerous and fatal as anticipated. Somehow, the virus seems to have become attenuated as it spreads through communities and nations, and has become less potent and virulent.
There are signs of decreasing fatalities in the midst of the onslaught of the rapidly increasing and worsening
pandemic, and evidence also shows that the Influenza A(H1N1) is already abating in some countries, meaning that it will probably burn itself out, just like other pandemics or epidemics. And in our country, there are fewer or no deaths reported in the last few days.
The Influenza A(H1N1) is currently widespread, rendering monitoring and control difficult, and stretching our resources to the limit.
Sentinel testing and surveillance by the Health Ministry shows that almost 95% of all flu-like illnesses are Influenza A(H1N1).
Most, over 90%, are mild to moderate cases, which respond to simple ordinary flu treatment. Many are so mild that those infected recover on their own. Only a small percentage require hospitalisation.
The important thing is not to panic, and not to waste money by rushing to do blood tests for confirmation, or rushing to take anti-viral drugs indiscriminately. Just assume that every flu-like illness is A(H1N1) and treat it like any flu case.
Only, at this particular time, monitor the patient more closely, regularly and frequently for lungs involvement and other complications, with special attention to high-risk patients.
Referrals to hospitals should be made as soon as lungs involvement, complication, and/or deterioration of illness is detected. This would relieve a large load off the hospitals and save our resources in readiness for the next wave of a more virulent strain.
However, it would also mean more work and responsibility for the general practitioners, whom the Health Ministry should pay more attention to, and possibly mobilise and utilise, in times of a pandemic or an epidemic, like now.
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