In reference to the information provided by the National Influenza Centre (Krajowe Centrum ds. Grypy) on the definite rise in flu incidence since November this year and the prognoses of the high flu incidence being maintained in the next few weeks, we would like to present you with the summary of the most important information on this disease, its symptoms, principles of its prophylaxis and the procedures in cases of suspected infection.
We observe a rise in infectious disease incidence among our Clients each year. Therefore, already many months before the start of the flu season, usually falling in October, we carefully plan the safety measures. And so, provision of medical support at such time is not a new thing for the Group, but a fully planned activity. This year, we face a new virus subtype - A/H1N1v - which is not more dangerous than the typical seasonal flu, yet still as serious.

Prevention
Flu is a viral droplet infection. The sick person, when having a conversation, coughing or sneezing, spreads the respiratory tract discharge containing the flu virus that penetrates the body mainly through the nasal and oral mucosa.

Therefore, it is recommended:
1. to wash hands frequently, with water and soap for approx. 20 seconds before rinsing (if this is not possible, a disinfectant gel or spray may be used);
2. to avoid touching the eye, mouth or nose areas - contact with a hand carrying droplets containing the virus may lead to the viral penetration through the mucosa;
3. to maintain the "cough hygiene" - covering the mouth and nose with a tissue each time we cough or sneeze (if tissues are not available, we should use sleeves not our hands);

4. to avoid close contact with those who are sick or may be sick, e.g. by wearing protective mask at home in the presence of a sick person.

The mask is also recommended for those who experience symptoms or suspect the infection, in order to minimize the risk of virus spread in the closest environment.

Vaccinations
At present, vaccine against seasonal flu is not available in wholesale, as all the stocks planned for the market by pharmaceutical companies have been exhausted. As the whole production capacity has been concentrated on the manufacture of pandemic A/H1N1v vaccine, the seasonal flu vaccine will no longer be available. The campaign of protective vaccinations against seasonal flu, commenced by the LUX MED Group in September, is drawing to an end. The pandemic vaccine may be purchased by the Ministry of Health only, once the negotiations finish, and - according to the information provided by manufacturers - it will not be available on the wholesale market. The LUX MED Group has placed an order for the pandemic vaccine, yet the purchase will probably not be possible.

Symptoms and appropriate procedure
The symptoms, prognosis and appropriate procedure in the case of flu are similar irrespective of the virus subtype causing it (A/H1N1v or seasonal influenza). The World Health Organization confirms that the virus detected in Ukraine has not changed significantly in relation to the strain originally identified during the epidemic in Mexico and the USA. Therefore, there is no absolute need to verify which viral type has caused the observed symptoms.

The flu symptoms are as follows:
1. sudden deterioration of health condition, accompanied by fever above 38C (in the case of cold, the health condition deteriorates gradually and fever is not always observed);
2. cough, nasal congestion;
3. muscle pains, headache;
4. potentially - stomach ache, diarrhoea.

The presence of above symptoms should be treated as indicative of suspected flu, and should definitely be consulted with a general practitioner, family doctor or a paediatrician. Ignoring of these symptoms carries the risk of life-threatening complications, such as pneumonia or myocarditis. It is important to avoid spreading the virus while sick (flu usually lasts 4-5 days), i.e. stay at home and comply with the doctor's recommendations.

The LUX MED Group facilities are ready to provide medical support to our Clients at this difficult time of the year. The principles of contacting our physicians remain the same at the moment. In the event of a significant increase in the disease incidence and the necessity to change the work organisation of the Group centres, we will inform you promptly of the detailed procedure of obtaining medical support in cases of suspected flu.

If the symptoms do not subside after approx. 4-5 days, or if the health condition deteriorates abruptly, e.g. difficulty with breathing or sensation of breathlessness develop, you should consult a physician immediately.

Yours faithfully,

Krzysztof Kurek, DrMedSc                                                                                           Grzegorz Juszczyk, DrMedSc
Medical Department Director                                                                                          Manager for Prophylaxis