American Corner Yerevan

Global H1N1 Influenza A Pandemic and Pandemic Vaccine

1:00pm 17.10.2009

On October 17, 2009, the Yerevan American Corner hosted a public lecture entitled "Global H1N1 Influenza A Pandemic and Pandemic Vaccine Availability in Armenia." Guest speaker U.S. Embassy Health Unit Officer Michael Voorhies delivered a lecture about pandemic influenza and its impact.

Mr. Voorhies presented the history and location of flu viruses in the U.S. and provided some statistics. He discussed the Spanish flu, which took the lives of 50 million people worldwide. He also noted the importance of influenza prevention measures, mentioning the 1918 flu that caused 195,000 deaths in the U.S. In Philadelphia, where no prevention was organized (limiting public gatherings such as weddings, sport events etc.) 13,000 people died, whereas in St. Louis, where preventative measures were taken, only 2,000 people died as a result of the flu.

Mr. Voorhies spoke about Pandemic H1N1, which is a new virus. It is different from previous or current human seasonal influenza viruses. The virus is transmitted by inhaling infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing. To prevent spread, people should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, stay home when they are unwell, clean their hands regularly, and avoid crowded areas where possible.

Among 53 participants, there were students from Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan State Linguistic University after V. Brusov and Haybusak University. The audience was very interactive and asked more than twenty questions. The students asked about treatment and available vaccines for the flu. Mr. Voorhies mentioned that while the vaccine exists in some countries, it is designed to prevent the disease and not to cure it. There were also many questions about types of flu, the way flu viruses spread, and if anyone has died from a flu vaccination.

The participants gained useful information about influenza and how to prevent it.

American Corner patrons can find current and useful materials about H1N1 Pandemic on the State Department’s Bureau of International Information Programs web page at: http://www.america.gov/h1n1_flu.html

For more information about global influenza please visit the World Health Organization web page: http://www.who.int