English Schools in USA

Influenza A(H1N1) - WHO Update 49
15 June 2009 -- As of 17:00 GMT, 15 June 2009, 76 countries have officially reported 35,928 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 163 deaths.

United States of America - 17,855 Cases - 45 Deaths -

Link to WHO Update 49
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_06_15/en/index.html

11 June 2009 -- On the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. The Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6.

What this means for international students:

On present evidence, the overwhelming majority of patients experience mild symptoms and make a rapid and full recovery, often in the absence of any form of medical treatment.

The novel H1N1 virus preferentially infects younger people. In nearly all areas with large and sustained outbreaks, the majority of cases have occurred in people under the age of 25 years.

Most cases of severe and fatal infections have been in adults between the ages of 30 and 50 years.

Many, though not all, severe cases have occurred in people with underlying chronic conditions. Based on limited, preliminary data, conditions most frequently seen include respiratory diseases, notably asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and obesity.

At the same time, it is important to note that around one third to half of the severe and fatal infections are occurring in previously healthy young and middle-aged people.

WHO continues to recommend no restrictions on travel and no border closures.

Globally, we have good reason to believe that this pandemic, at least in its early days, will be of moderate severity. As we know from experience, severity can vary, depending on many factors, from one country to another.

WHO has been in close dialogue with influenza vaccine manufacturers. Production of vaccines for seasonal influenza will be completed soon, and that full capacity will be available to ensure the largest possible supply of pandemic vaccine in the months to come.

Pending the availability of vaccines, several non-pharmaceutical interventions can confer some protection.

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English Schools in USA Blog URL
http://english-schools-in-usa.blogspot.com/
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Labels: English schools in USA, Influenza A - H1N1 - WHO Update 49, international students, USA English Schools

29 May, 2009 - WHO Update 41
53 countries have officially reported
15,510 cases of influenza A H1N1 - infection, includes 99 deaths.

The vast majority of H1N1 Flu cases are very mild with the only inconveience being the time at home with flu symptoms. For international students planning to travel to study at a USA English school we recommend a little research before the final go/nogo decision. When travelling for 2 or 4 weeks students do not want to waste their travelling dollars being sick in quarantine.

International students should ask if there are any sick students at the English school, any students or teachers returning from Mexico at the English school or if any current students are in quarantine.

Link to WHO Update 41
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_29/en/index.html

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English schools in USA BLOG URL
http://english-schools-in-usa.blogspot.com/
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Labels: American h1n1 swine flu updates, H1N1 Flu, WHO - Influenza A - H1N1 - Infection Update, world health organization updates

36 Countries officially report 8451 cases of influenza A(H1N1)Infection
16 May 2009 -- As of 07:00 GMT, 16 May 2009,

Acting WHO Assistant Director General Keiji Fukuda stated studies indicated a "significant number of people" have been infected and remain undetected or unconfirmed by laboratory tests.

World Health Organization H1N1 Flu Updates
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/

WHO Map showing reported H1N1 Flu locations
http://new.paho.org/hq/swine_files/mapeng.htm

As at May 16, 2008 USA Cases: 4,714 - Mexico: 2,895 - Canada: 496

Mexico has reported 2895 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 66 deaths. The United States has reported 4714 laboratory confirmed human cases, including four deaths. Canada has reported 496 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Costa Rica has reported nine laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

Some Basic H1N1 Facts

How do people become infected with influenza A(H1N1)?

Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed. To prevent spread, people should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, and wash their hands regularly.

What are the signs and symptoms of infection?

Early signs of influenza A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea.

Is there any confirmation of transmission between pigs and humans at this point?

No.

Why are we so worried about this pandemic possibility when thousands die every year from seasonal epidemics?

Seasonal epidemics occur every year and we are able to treat the virus with seasonal vaccines. A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic. It is a new virus and one to which the populations will have no immunity.

For international students planning to travel to study at a USA English school we recommend a little research before the final go/nogo decision.

International students should ask if there are any sick students at the English school, any students or teachers returning from Mexico at the English school or if any current students are in quarantine.

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English schools in USA BLOG URL
http://english-schools-in-usa.blogspot.com/
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Labels: 36 Countries officially report 8451 cases of influenza A(H1N1) Infection, Swine flu in USA, USA English Schools, world health organization updates