The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced the latest survey revealing that more than 70% of Taiwan’s population has correct concept on pandemic influenza A (H1N1) prevention.However, about 50% of Taiwan’s population does not know that pregnant women can receive the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine and take antivirals.In addition, 40% of the population thinks the fatality rate of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) is close to that of SARS, and 70% of the population thinks that the seasonal influenza vaccine can provide protection against pandemic influenza A (H1N1).
CECC stressed that pregnant women are at higher risk for complications associated with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection.Hence, pregnant women should pay extra attention to their own health and take necessary prevention measures when there are ongoing outbreaks. Further, pregnant women can receive the influenza (H1N1) vaccine, and they should seek medical attention immediately when influenza-like symptoms develop and take antivirals according to the doctor’s instructions.On the other hand, CECC indicated that there are two different influenza vaccines available this year, the seasonal influenza vaccine and the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine that will be available in November.The two vaccines provide protection against different strains of influenza viruses.The public is urged to get the vaccines as planned by the local government.
According to the survey, most of Taiwan’s population has taken measures against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in response to the ongoing outbreaks.85% of the population has stockpiled masks, 78% of the population has gotten a thermometer, and 77% of the population carries a handkerchief and tissue paper (77%). Since the influenza season has arrived, CECC reminds the public to take necessary precautions against influenza, including putting on a mask and seeking medical attention immediately when influenza-like symptoms develop, and practicing cough etiquette and hand hygiene.
The survey has also shown that 60% of the population is willing to receive the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine and 17% of the population is considering getting the vaccine.
The survey has indicated that more than 70% of the population has correct concept on pandemic influenza A (H1N1) prevention, including the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus is spread through droplet and direct contact, frequent hand-washing provides better protection against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) as compared to wearing a mask, antiviral drugs are available to treat pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection, and pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine is available to provide prevention against pandemic influenza A (H1N1). More than 90% of the population knows the prevention measures that protect himself/herself from getting pandemic influenza A (H1N1) include frequent hand-washing, wearing a mask, avoiding crowded public places, using traditional Chinese two-hands salutes in lieu of Western handshakes, avoiding touching eyes and nose with hands, and seeking immediate medical attention when influenza-like symptoms develop. Simultaneously, more than 90% of the population knows the prevention measures that prevent passing pandemic influenza A (H1N1) to the other include resting at home when sick, taking medication according to the doctor’s instructions, wearing a mask when going out, and covering nose and mouth with a handkerchief or sleeve when coughing.
The survey was conducted by Gallup Market Research Corp. during October 1 and October 3, 2009.Survey participants include people aged 18 and above in Taiwan who know or have heard of pandemic influenza A (H1N1).The sample size is 1174 people. At 95% confidence level, the sampling error is ±3%.