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H1N1 Influenza Questions & Answers

What is the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus?H1N1 (referred to as “Swine Flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person to person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

Why is this new H1N1 virus sometimes called “Swine Flu”?This virus was originally referred to as “Swine Flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia, in addition to avian and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

Is this new H1N1 virus contagious?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that this new H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

Do Bupa policies provide coverage in a H1N1 Influenza pandemic?Yes, all Bupa insureds will be covered for the treatment/hospitalization related to H1N1 Influenza. Please note that normal policy terms and conditions will apply.
For further information, please contact USA Medical Services.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?There is no vaccine available right now to protect against this new H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin, or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is a recommended measure to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so. A supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other
related items might could be useful to avoid the need to leave your home while you are sick.

Are there medicines to treat infection produced by this new virus?Yes. The CDC recommends the use of antiviral medications such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or Zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the new H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the illness by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. During the current outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe influenza illness.

What kills influenza virus? Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time.
For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

Where can I get further information?You can get more information on Bupa’s website: health news alert, or other worldwide websites: World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.