Seasonal influenza and Influenza A (H1N1): Risks, Symptom & Prevention
We provide this update because there has been deep concerns in global news over two suspected cases of H1N1 influenza in Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city, over the last few days. The H1N1 virus caused alarm back in 2009 when it spread to many countries around the globe.”
With the objective of loss prevention, we would like to share knowledge of this virus with a hope mitigating the risk of contraction from your employees. Please do read carefully the following information as advised and published by both the World Health Organisation (WHO) & Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):-
Nature of the disease
An acute respiratory infection of varying severity, ranging from asymptomatic infection to fatal disease. Typical influenza symptoms include fever with abrupt onset, chills, sore throat, non-productive cough and, often accompanied by headache, coryza, myalgia and prostration. Complications of influenza viral infection include: primary influenza viral pneumonitis, bacterial pneumonia, otitis media and exacerbation of underlying chronic conditions. Illness tends to be most severe in the elderly, in infants and young children, and in immunocompromised hosts. Death resulting from seasonal influenza occurs mainly in the elderly and in individuals with pre-existing chronic diseases. Influenza A (H1N1) is similar to seasonal influenza but has been characterized by higher activity during the northern summer season, higher fatality rates among healthy young adults and higher incidence of viral pneumonia.
Disease burden
Influenza occurs all over the world, with an annual global attack rate estimated at 5–10% in adults and 20–30% in children. In temperate regions, influenza is a seasonal disease occurring typically in winter months: it affects the northern hemisphere from November to April and the southern hemisphere from April to September. In tropical areas there is no clear seasonal pattern, and influenza circulation is year-round, typically with several peaks during rainy seasons.
Risk for travellers
Travellers, like local residents, are at risk in any country during the influenza season. In addition, groups of travellers that include individuals from areas affected by seasonal influenza (e.g. cruise ships) may experience out-ofseason outbreaks. Travellers visiting countries in the opposite hemisphere during the influenza season are at special risk, particular if they do not have some degree of immunity through recent infection or regular vaccination. The elderly, people with pre-existing chronic diseases and young children are most susceptible to complications.
Preparedness and Response Recommendations
Advice, additional tools and guidance documents are available online and have been developed by a number of non-profit organisations to assist employers in their planning against this hidden foe. For further information please visit:-
- Information regarding Influenza A(H1N1) - More Details>>>
- CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers To Plan and Respond - More Details>>>
- Prevention, Protection and Preparedness - More Details>>>
Should you have any questions or queries, please contact our Health Insurance Division Team for further advice:-
With the objective of loss prevention, we would like to share knowledge of this virus with a hope mitigating the risk of contraction from your employees. Please do read carefully the following information as advised and published by both the World Health Organisation (WHO) & Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):-
Nature of the disease
An acute respiratory infection of varying severity, ranging from asymptomatic infection to fatal disease. Typical influenza symptoms include fever with abrupt onset, chills, sore throat, non-productive cough and, often accompanied by headache, coryza, myalgia and prostration. Complications of influenza viral infection include: primary influenza viral pneumonitis, bacterial pneumonia, otitis media and exacerbation of underlying chronic conditions. Illness tends to be most severe in the elderly, in infants and young children, and in immunocompromised hosts. Death resulting from seasonal influenza occurs mainly in the elderly and in individuals with pre-existing chronic diseases. Influenza A (H1N1) is similar to seasonal influenza but has been characterized by higher activity during the northern summer season, higher fatality rates among healthy young adults and higher incidence of viral pneumonia.
Disease burden
Influenza occurs all over the world, with an annual global attack rate estimated at 5–10% in adults and 20–30% in children. In temperate regions, influenza is a seasonal disease occurring typically in winter months: it affects the northern hemisphere from November to April and the southern hemisphere from April to September. In tropical areas there is no clear seasonal pattern, and influenza circulation is year-round, typically with several peaks during rainy seasons.
Risk for travellers
Travellers, like local residents, are at risk in any country during the influenza season. In addition, groups of travellers that include individuals from areas affected by seasonal influenza (e.g. cruise ships) may experience out-ofseason outbreaks. Travellers visiting countries in the opposite hemisphere during the influenza season are at special risk, particular if they do not have some degree of immunity through recent infection or regular vaccination. The elderly, people with pre-existing chronic diseases and young children are most susceptible to complications.
Preparedness and Response Recommendations
- Planning for Flu Season
- Considerations of Appropriate Response Strategies
- Work with State and Local Public Health Partners
- Keep Sick Employees Home
- Be Prepared if Schools Dismiss Students or Early Childhood Programs Close
Advice, additional tools and guidance documents are available online and have been developed by a number of non-profit organisations to assist employers in their planning against this hidden foe. For further information please visit:-
- Information regarding Influenza A(H1N1) - More Details>>>
- CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers To Plan and Respond - More Details>>>
- Prevention, Protection and Preparedness - More Details>>>
Should you have any questions or queries, please contact our Health Insurance Division Team for further advice:-
- For English: +84 28 3514 7969
- For Myanmar: +95 1 541 859, 558 201