The H7N9 avian influenza outbreak in China

The H7N9 avian influenza outbreak in China is a disease that has caught the world's attention as it is caused by a virus that is considered highly pathogenic and is responsible for high mortality rates. The Bureau of Epidemiology of the Department of Disease Control of the Ministry of Public Health has explained that the avian influenza virus has two major genetic groups, Hemagglutinin (H) and Neuraminidase (N), which can be further subdivided. H has 16 subgroups and N has nine subgroups, and viruses are identified using a code, such as H5N1 or H7N9. The virus can also mix with various proteins.

For the groups of viruses found in humans, they are in the H1, H2, and H3 groups. The groups of viruses found in animals are H5 and H7, which are highly pathogenic and can cause large numbers of animals to die. If it crosses over to humans, it can cause severe illness, and those infected usually experience fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and severe pneumonia.

The WHO Collaborating Center in China recommends that Neuraminidase Inhibitors (Oseltamivir and Zanamivir) can still be used to treat those infected, as the influenza vaccine in 2013 did not prevent the H7N9 strain that is currently spreading in China.

Therefore, taking precautions to prevent the spread of the H7N9 influenza is necessary, and it can be easily done by:

1. Washing hands frequently with soap and water, or using alcohol gel to sanitize them.
2. Avoiding sharing drinking glasses, straws, spoons, hand towels, face towels, or any other personal items with others.
3. Avoiding close contact with people who have symptoms of the flu, or wearing a mask if it cannot be avoided.
4. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious food, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep and exercise regularly.
5. Avoiding crowded places and poorly ventilated areas for an extended period if not necessary.
6. Following other guidelines from the Ministry of Public Health closely.

With best wishes, Vibhavadi Hospital.