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Let’s talk about the H1N1 Influenza Virus

The Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS) is committed to providing a safe blood supply to the community. In response to the rapidly increasing incidence of H1N1 influenza in South Africa, blood donor vigilance has been increased at all our donor clinics to ensure that blood donations are collected from healthy individuals. Donors may thus be questioned carefully in this regard.

All blood donors who have influenza symptoms will be deferred for a period of 2 weeks.

What is the H1N1 Virus?
Influenza A (H1N1) virus is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all the influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza.H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all human flu infections in 2006.Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs(swine influenza )and birds(avian influenza). In June 2009, the World Health Organization declared that flu due to a new strain of swine-origin H1N1 was responsible for the 2009 flu pandemic. This strain is commonly called “swine flu”or “pandemic flu”. It is an airborne infection transferred from human to human, through coughing and sneezing.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H1N1

What are the symptoms of the H1N1 virus (swine flu)?
Blood donors are checked for symptoms of the H1N1 virus. These include:

• Fever / chills
• Cough
• Rhinitis (runny nose)
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Nausea /vomiting

How can I prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus?
The transmission of the H1N1 virus can be limited by:

• Using barriers like clean tissues when coughing or sneezing
• Efficient discarding of used tissues
• Limiting touching of the eyes, nose and mouth since self infection can be enhanced this way
• Adequate washing of hands and cleaning of surfaces with disinfectants
• Limiting contact with persons who are sick with flu
• Seeking medical advice on onset of the illness or if you’ve been in contact with someone
who has been confirmed with H1N1 infection.

Should donors be tested for the H1N1 virus?
Screening tests for the H1N1 virus is not routinely required. However laboratory tests are recommended for:

• Individuals who are at risk of contracting the disease who have severe respiratory symptoms and
are at risk for complications
• Individuals who have been part of a cluster case where diagnosis is required
• Confirmation as the cause of death in persons suspected of having the H1N1 virus

What medication can be used for treatment of the disease?
Individuals who suspect they may have the disease are advised to consult their physician.

The majority of cases do not require any special treatment since individuals who contract flu including the H1N1 virus will have a mild self-limiting illness. Antiviral agents such as Oseltamivir and Zanamivir have been successfully used. Treatment is usually effective if taken within 48 hours of onset of the illness.

Useful websites
• Centre for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/
• World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/en/
• South African Department of Health: http://doh.gov.za

The South African government has advised the public to be aware, but not to panic.

Contact Us
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service to speak to our Medical Officer or Medical Director on telephone 021 5076329 or 021 5076318 respectively.

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