Influenza A (H1N1) virus is a subtype of influenza A virus and was the most common cause of human influenza (flu) in 2009. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a small fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused a few percent of all human flu infections in 2004–2005.[1] Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).
In June 2009, the World Health Organization declared the new strain of swine-origin H1N1 as a pandemic. This strain is often called swine flu by the public media. This novel virus spread worldwide and had caused about 17,000 deaths by the start of 2010. (from Wikipedia)
"This can never happen to me." Again, this statement that most people believe in, including myself, have failed me. Who would have expected an outbreak of H1N1 in a closed ward, where patients have to get permission just to go to the canteen?
I found out that I have been exposed to the virus (once again) when I have just arrived in Kuala Lumpur with my family for a short vacation. My consultant gave me a call which I failed to pick up. I texted my colleague to help me find out what he wanted since my cellphone's battery was low. She later texted back to tell me that a few patients in my ward have tested positive with the virus. Inside me, I panicked, not wanting to alarm my family, I kept quiet and desperately checked myself for flu symptoms. Fever? Negative. Sore Throat? Negative. Cough? Negative. However, I was feeling lethargic...could it be? Nah. I was paranoid....and started to somatize. Days went by and no symptoms...thank God! Dread suddenly came as I await further news....what now? Must I take prophylaxis...that dreadful Tamiflu that I took before? It was a vacation where I had to check for flu symptoms daily...not exactly relaxing. Sigh!
I hope the worse is over....since I am now back working with those patients diagnosed with the virus. What a risky job....if I get sick...is it worth it?
