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INFLUENZA A (H1N1)
PREVENTIVE MEASURES UNDERTAKEN BY THAILAND AGAINST THE SPREAD OF INFLUENZA A (H1N1)
Update as of November 1, 2009 |
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Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has been working in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) at the regional and international level on influenza preparedness and response since the initial outbreak in Mexico in late April 2009. |
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Thailand’s policy with regard to travel is consistent with statements issued by the World Health Organization on May 1st and June 11th, 2009. WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders, but states that it is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel.
Thailand has adopted WHO recommendations and has not issued travel advisories restricting outbound travel to countries affected by H1N1. We leave it to the individual travellers to decide for themselves.
This is of course with the exception of individuals who are unwell. Those who have flu-like symptoms are urged to seek immediate medical attention, within 48 hours at the latest, to facilitate rapid diagnosis and immediate treatment. They are advised not to travel — except to see a doctor. |
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Thailand continues to monitor and screen inbound international travellers with flu-like symptoms and strictly monitors those coming from countries affected by the disease. However, Thai public health authorities recognize that although identifying the signs and symptoms of influenza in travellers can be an effective monitoring technique, it is not effective in reducing the spread of influenza, as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms. |
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Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health continues to run an aggressive, high profile, public awareness campaign to educate the general public about taking preventive measures to avoid contracting the influenza A (H1N1) virus. |
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Thai public health authorities are urging all state and private sector organizations, including event organizers, tourism-related operators and service providers, as well as the general public, to make proper personal hygiene the top priority in Thailand’s efforts to help prevent the human-to-human transmission of influenza.
According to the WHO, current evidence suggests that the main route of human-to-human transmission of the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus is via respiratory droplets, which are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing.
Any person who is in close contact (approximately 1 metre) with someone who has influenza-like symptoms (fever, sneezing, coughing, running nose, chills, muscle ache etc) is at risk of being exposed to potentially infective respiratory droplets.
Measures to Help Prevent the Human-to-Human Transmission of Influenza
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With various festive celebrations taking place during Thailand’s cool season, which also happens to be the country’s peak travel season for both international as well as domestic travellers, public health authorities are asking event organizers staging public events to exercise extreme caution.
To help minimize the risk of human-to-human transmission during various public events, including concerts, traditional festivals, community events or social and political gatherings, event organizers are being asked to provide alcohol-based hand gel and distribute surgical/face masks.
Staff manning the entrances will also be authorized to screen for individuals with possible influenza symptoms, such as coughing or sneezing. If there are any doubts as to the person’s condition, he/she will be refused entry and asked to leave. |
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Returning travellers who fall ill are also urged to seek immediate medical care. |
GENERAL ADVICE
Measures to Help Prevent the Human-to-Human Transmission of Influenza
It is important to remember that the following general measures may be more
important than wearing a mask in preventing the spread of influenza.
FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WELL
Promote physical distance (at least 1 metre) from any individual with influenza-like symptoms, and:
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Avoid being in crowded and poorly ventilated places for an extended period of time |
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Refrain from touching mouth and nose |
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Perform hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with water and soap or rubbing them with alcohol-based hand gel**, especially if touching the mouth and nose and surfaces that are potentially contaminated |
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Avoid sharing glasses, straws, spoons, napkins, handkerchiefs, and towels with other people |
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Avoid close contact with patients with influenza-like symptoms or individuals who might be ill |
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Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows as much as possible |
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Maintain good health by eating nutritious food, drinking a lot of water, taking adequate sleep, and practicing physical exercise regularly |
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Closely follow advice issued by the Ministry of Public Health. |
** In settings where alcohol-based hand rubs are available and the safety concerns (such as fire hazards and accidental ingestion) are adequately addressed, their proper use (rubbing hands for 20–30 seconds) could be promoted as a means of disinfection.
The following measures are also being implemented by the public health authorities.
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Monitoring and screening of inbound international travellers for prompt medical services in case of need |
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Distribution of Health Beware Cards, health questionnaire, and advice on self-care to inbound international travellers, by collaboration between public health authority and international airlines |
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Coordination with travel agencies, hotels and airlines in order to take care and give advice to travellers |
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Other measures include surveillance on travellers who came from epidemic areas, cleansing of schools and public gathering places, and measures for case detection and disease control. |
For your own well-being and that of the general public, visitors to Thailand are requested to cooperate with and to follow instructions of the public health authority, both at the ports of entry and within the Kingdom.
You are also requested to be alert and help keep influenza A (H1N1) at bay by taking care of your own personal hygiene.
Medical services in Thailand are of international standard. Thailand also has past experiences in successfully dealing with the SARS and Avian Flu. The public health authority in Thailand thus has full confidence that, with the level of preparedness gained through our experiences, collaboration with the WHO, and cooperation from the general public, Thailand is well-prepared to prevent the spread of the influenza virus.
ADVICE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INFLUENZA-LIKE SYMPTOMS
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Stay at home if you feel unwell and follow the local public health recommendations. |
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Keep your distance from individuals who are well as much as possible (at least 1 metre). |
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Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, with tissues or other suitable materials, to contain respiratory secretions. Dispose of the material immediately after use or wash it. Clean hands immediately after contact with respiratory secretions. |
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Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows as much as possible. |
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