Landlæknisembættið - Directorate of Health

14.10.2009

Indications of an intensified influenza A(H1N1)v 2009 pandemic

The pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v 2009 seems to be spreading in Iceland at a faster rate in the past two weeks than before, particularly in the Capital Area. A high percentage of samples from patients with influenza–like illness, examined at the virology department of the Landspitali University Hospital, has been confirmed as A(H1N1)v 2009 influenza.

In the past few days the number of patients hospitalised because of influenza has increased and several of these have been admitted to an intensive care unit. This does not necessarily mean that the influenza has become more severe, but rather that with the increase in the number of influenza cases, a larger number of patients will need to be hospitalised because an underlying disease will make the influenza more severe.

The Chief Epidemiologist recommends that antiviral drugs be used to a greater extent than before to treat at-risk influenza patients. This applies to those suffering from lung and heart diseases, metabolic disorders, e.g. diabetes, obesity, immunodeficiency and liver or kidney diseases. People with any of these disorders are therefore encouraged to contact the nearest primary care centre in case they fall ill with influenza-like illness. This applies also to pregnant women.

The first shipment of the pandemic vaccine is expected to arrive in Iceland any day now. The first vaccine will be used mainly for health care workers, followed by at-risk patients. In a few days, an announcement will be made on the vaccination arrangements.

There is no reason to make changes to the general preventive disease-control measures in Iceland. As before, people with symptoms of influenza-like illness are advised to stay at home for up to a week or until they have been without symptoms (fever) for two days. It is important to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues or some other means to prevent the spread of the virus. It is also important to wash your hands regularly and/or use alcohol-based hand rubs.

Statistics on the A(H1N1)v influenza in Iceland are published regularly on http://influensa.is/.

Chief Epidemiologist for Iceland