Around the world, swine flu (H1N1) related deaths are on the rise. In Germany eleven deaths from swine flu (H1N1) haven been reported so far. Most of these fatal cases had been caused by complications associated with other illnesses such as pneumonia for example. Even though most of these cases of infection have taken a mild course so far, experts warn there could be a second wave of pandemic influenza beginning. Personal hygiene measures and vaccination are among the most important prevention measures. Doctors in Germany have also begun contacting high-priority patients to get their swine flu (H1N1) shot.

Cases of the swine flu (H1N1) in humans became known for the first time in April this year. The virus contains an additional flu virus gene, which is known from pigs in Europe and Asia. On June 11th, 2009, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of the new flu to be a pandemic. The symptoms of the swine flu (H1N1) are similar to the symptoms of the seasonal human influenza: fever, coughing, headache and sore limbs, fatigue and lack of appetite. Some people have also complained about nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The swine flu virus is transmitted like normal flu: mostly via droplets that occur during coughing or sneezing. Transmission can also occur through touching surfaces that are contaminated with secretions containing the virus. This way, the viruses are passed on from the hand into the mouth, nose or eyes.

Contact Your Doctor Immediately

People who fear that you are ill with the swine flu (H1N1) virus, should contact their family doctor or the local health authority immediately by phone to discuss how to proceed. Then they should stay at home and avoid contact to other people as far as possible. Ordinary flu vaccines do not protect people against the swine flu (H1N1).

In Germany, the Federal Ministry of Health and the Robert Koch Institut provide information (also in English language) by telephone hotline about the current situation. The hotline can be reached from Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon and on weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The number of the hotline is: 0800 44 00 55 0.

Advice by the Robert Koch Institut

Since viruses spread quickly it is important to know how you can prevent infection. A leaflet of the Ethno-Medical Centre (EMZ) and the Robert Koch Institute gives advice and helps to find answers to questions about the swine flu:

• Wash your hands and keep them away from your face. Wash your hands with soap several times a day for 20 to 30 seconds, also between your fingers. Avoid touching the mucous membrane of your mouth, eyes and nose.
• Cough hygienically If you cough, stand away from other people. The best thing is to cough into your sleeve, not into your hand.
• Recover from the illness at home. Do not go to work with a feverish cold, gastroenteritis or flu, but rather contribute to your recuperation with rest. With misplaced ambition you harm yourself, your colleagues and your employer.
• Watch out for early signs: A sudden high temperature, feeling very ill, coughing and pains in the limbs all point to flu.
• Get well again: Listen to your body. If you have the typical signs of flu, ask your doctor by phone how to proceed.
• Protect members of your family: If you are ill, do without physical contact like hugging, kissing etc. Wherever possible, stay in a separate room. Pay attention to general cleanliness in your flat, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Air closed rooms regularly 3 to 4 times a day for ten minutes each time. The number of viruses in the air is reduced, and drying up of the mouth and nose mucous membranes is prevented.
• It is especially important in a flu pandemic to keep your distance and avoid crowds. Protect yourself and others by being especially considerate, keeping a distance of two meters. Do without shaking hands. Avoid crowds, if this is currently being recommended.
• It is also important to know about hygienic masks. There is not sufficient data on the effectiveness of hygienic masks during a pandemic. For this reason they are only to be contemplated as an additional measure to the ones illustrated here.

More information in English language on the swine flu (H1N1) on the internet:
Swine Flu Hotline
Flyer of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Robert Koch Institut